On 14 March, the BRAINTEASER event “Artificial Intelligence and the Environment: New Frontiers for Research and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases” took place at Fondazione Mondino IRCCS in Pavia as part of the Brain Awareness Week. This flagship event highlighted the EU-funded BRAINTEASER project, focusing on its contributions to understanding risk factors and remote monitoring strategies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
The event brought together leading neuroscientists, biotechnologists, and AI specialists, alongside public officials and policymakers, including Guido Bertolaso, Regional Minister for Welfare in Lombardy region and Michele Lissia, Mayor of Pavia.
A predictive approach to neurodegenerative diseases
“Thanks to artificial intelligence and predictive modelling, we can finally address crucial questions about the link between environmental factors and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and MS,” said Gianni Bonelli, General Director of Fondazione Mondino IRCCS. He emphasised that Fondazione Mondino, one of four European clinical excellence centres involved in BRAINTEASER, is proud to contribute to an initiative that puts patients and caregivers at the centre.
Roberto Bergamaschi, former Scientific Director of Fondazione Mondino IRCCS and current director of its multiple sclerosis research centre, introduced the event by outlining the patient-centred approach of BRAINTEASER. The project leverages big data on health, lifestyle, and environmental exposure to support patients, doctors, and caregivers. By integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), BRAINTEASER aims to develop software that provides personalised insights and real-time recommendations, helping anticipate disease progression.
AI and Big Data in predictive medicine
AI has revolutionised medicine, allowing researchers to model disease progression with advanced algorithms. BRAINTEASER takes this a step further by integrating clinical, health, and environmental data, aiding clinical decision-making and supporting in silico trials for researchers. The project also aims to deliver a coherent set of recommendations for public health authorities.
“The project focuses on the link between environmental pollutants and inflammatory responses in diseases like MS, the leading cause of non-traumatic disability in young adults,” explained Eleonora Tavazzi, neurologist at Fondazione Mondino multiple sclerosis research centre. The ultimate goal is to develop advanced models that help personalise treatments and improve disease management and quality of care.
A platform for awareness and collaboration
Beyond scientific advancements, the event fostered public engagement, raising awareness of the critical role of research and technological innovation in fighting neurodegenerative diseases.
Guido Bertolaso closed the event, stressing that AI-driven risk assessment and patient monitoring can improve care pathways and inform new healthcare policies. He highlighted how BRAINTEASER’s results lay the foundation for new guidelines to enhance clinical care and support for patients and caregivers.
By participating in Brain Awareness Week, BRAINTEASER reaffirmed its role as a key initiative in bridging research, innovation, and public health—advancing the conversation on how science and technology can improve lives.
