FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON April 23, 2007

Massachusetts Researcher Honored by AAN Foundation for Tourette Syndrome Research

Jeremiah M. Scharf, MD, PhD, Receives Raymond D. Adams Clinical Research Training Fellowship

ST. PAUL, Minn -

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Foundation is awarding the 2007 Raymond D. Adams Clinical Research Training Fellowship to Jeremiah M. Scharf, MD, PhD, with Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and member of the American Academy of Neurology, for his work in identifying genes that may increase risk for Tourette syndrome. Scharf will receive the award during the American Academy of Neurology's 59th Annual Meeting in Boston, held April 28-May 5, 2007. The two-year fellowship is designed to support a young neurologist conducting clinical research in neurogenetics in a mentored environment. Scharf's work involves analyzing genes in families affected by Tourette syndrome. "Tourette syndrome has a strong genetic component, yet no major Tourette syndrome susceptibility genes have been found so far," said Scharf. "Identification of genes causing Tourette syndrome could lead to improved understanding of the underlying basis of the disease, as well as improved diagnostics, and hopefully new treatments." The fellowship also provides tuition reimbursement for education in clinical research methodology. The fellowship is supported by the AAN Foundation Corporate Roundtable. The 59th Annual Meeting takes place in the Hynes Convention Center. It is the world’s largest annual gathering of neurologists.

The American Academy of Neurology Foundation works with the American Academy of Neurology to support education and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of neurologic disorders. The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 20,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. For more information, visit www.neurofoundation.org.