A.O. Pia Fondazione “Card. G.Panico” UNIBA

The Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Brain Aging is a reference point for individuals affected by ALS in the Puglia region.

Our multidisciplinary care model relies on a team of highly specialized healthcare professionals, including neurologists, pulmonologists, otolaryngologists, nutritionists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, neuropsychologists, and nurses. Every three months, approximately 50 tp 60 ALS patients receive comprehensive, integrated care during a single visit, benefiting from an approach that prioritizes the individual needs of both patients and their caregivers.

In addition to providing care, the Center is actively engaged in clinical and epidemiological research, including neurophysiological, neuroradiological, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies. We coordinate the Apulian Registry for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (SLAP), a key initiative for monitoring the disease at the regional level, including measures of frequency (incidence and prevalence). The SLAP registry has been a founding member of two major international collaborations:

• EURALS (European Consortium of Population-Based ALS Registries).
• Euro-MOTOR (European Multidisciplinary ALS Network Identifying Strategies to Cure Motor Neuron Degeneration).

Furthermore, our Center participates in several randomized clinical trials, contributing to therapeutic advancements and improving care for ALS patients.