Movie night marks brain awareness
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The University of Maine at Presque Isle Biomedical Club is celebrating International Brain Awareness Week with the upcoming “Neuroscience and a Movie” on Thursday, March 24, 2016.
The event, free and open to the public, will take place from 6-9 p.m. in the Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room. The club will show the Academy Award-winning movie “Still Alice,” which focuses on a woman’s progression into early onset Alzheimer’s disease. After the movie, there will be a panel to help answer questions on the clinical treatments and basic science of the disease. This movie is rated PG-13.
The club also held a Kids Brain Game Night March 15. This informal event for kids (of all ages) featured hands-on activities, including visual illusions and building a neuron, as well as learning about the brain and nervous system.
“We wanted to provide an opportunity to community members of all ages to learn about the brain and nervous system,” said Dr. Scott Dobrin, event organizer and UMPI assistant professor of biology. “Neuroscience and a Movie explores the reality of how popular culture depicts neurological disorders. Alzheimer’s disease disproportionately affects people in higher latitudes, making the incidence raised in our community. The panel discussion will provide an opportunity to ask clinical and basic science questions about the disease.”
Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is a global campaign to increase public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research, according to the official BAW website. Campaign partners organize creative and innovative activities in their communities to educate and excite people of all ages about the brain and brain research.
Founded and coordinated by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives and European Dana Alliance for the Brain, BAW marks its 21st annual celebration this year.
For more information, contact Dobrin at scott.dobrin@maine.edu.
