Philanthropy to stop neurodegeneration in its tracks
Nicole Leclerc, researcher at the CHUM Research Centre (CRCHUM), is driven to unravel the mysteries of neurodegenerative diseases. Her research focus? Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
PSP is a rare and complex disease that causes the tau protein stop working properly. Tau is a protein that regulates and supports brain cells, playing a key role in the brain. It has been linked to PSP-like symptoms in other conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. As a result, PSP diagnoses are often delayed, despite having a more rapid, aggressive progression. While tragic for patients, this feature of PSP gives researchers a unique way to research neurodegeneration in the short term that can speed up breakthroughs.
“Philanthropy makes it possible for us to develop cutting-edge techniques—when we need them—to accurately characterize, at the molecular level, patients suffering from PSP and identify biomarkers,” says Dr. Leclerc. “These promising breakthroughs could revolutionize how we diagnose PSP and allow us to better understand and treat all different neurodegenerative diseases.”
The compassionate ambition of Dr. Leclerc
“My husband and I were always on the same wavelength, not just in terms of our careers and goals, but also in our deep desire to give back to the community. Everything we went through together taught us how important it is to work for the good of society.”
When Dr. Leclerc lost her husband in 2018, she was intent on honouring his memory and carrying out his last wishes. In the hopes of making a difference for thousands of people, she founded the Fondation Edward Peter Gallagher et Nicole Leclerc to advance the PSP research led by herself and Dr. Antoine Duquette, neurologist and clinical investigator at the CHUM.
A final act of hope
Any breakthroughs developed in Dr. Leclerc and Dr. Duquette’s lab are in great part thanks to the generosity and dedication of PSP patients who decide to donate biological tissue after they pass. Their selfless donations help move the needle forward and boost the likelihood of finding personalized therapies for every patient fighting this disease.
“My husband wanted to help future PSP patients and prevent suffering, so he donated his brain to science. We also respected his final wishes by making a large donation to support PSP research. It helped us make sense of his passing.”
Each year, Dr. Nicole Leclerc and Dr. Antoine Duquette organize a free event for PSP patients and the community. The 7th edition of this informational event was held on October 19, to learn more about recent clinical studies, the CHUM’s breakthroughs in fundamental research and new clinical care recommendations for PSP.
Attendees also heard a touching speech from Lucille Guibord about her husband.
