WHAT'S AHEAD

The scientific-medical team of the "Akogo?" Foundation organizes and coordinates scientific conferences and workshops, and participates in numerous conferences both in Poland and globally. Our primary goal is to engage the medical and scientific community in collaborative participation in current and future scientific and clinical projects dedicated to the treatment of disorders of consciousness. We continuously establish new connections and strengthen collaborations with specialists in neurobiology, neurology, neurosurgery, and neurorehabilitation from around the world, including experts from Belgium, Austria, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, China, Japan, Argentina, Sweden, the United States, and Canada.

We analyze conference reports, research progress, and treatment and rehabilitation methods for individuals with severe brain injuries, particularly those in a coma. Our aim is to expand knowledge in diagnostics and cutting-edge therapeutic methods used worldwide, with a particular focus on brain stimulation, including clinical trials utilizing autologous stem cells.

We are currently working on the following project:

• Assessment of changes in cerebral blood flow and electrical activity in patients with prolonged consciousness impairment during standard rehabilitation and the application of non-invasive electrical, light, and magnetic brain stimulation methods.

We are also planning to implement research projects such as:

• Stimulation of the regenerative potential of hippocampal cells through selective external shock wave exposure. Experimental studies in an animal model (seeking methodologies for assessing effects in patients in a vegetative state or with minimal consciousness, as well as in Alzheimer's disease patients).
• The impact of Amantadine on improving consciousness, cerebral blood flow, and electrical activity in patients in a vegetative state or with minimal consciousness.

The field of regenerative medicine has made significant advances in repairing the brain and central nervous system, and we may be just a few steps away from a breakthrough in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

The Foundation has established the International Scientific Council of the Ewa Błaszczyk “Akogo?” Foundation, composed of distinguished, world-class scientists and physicians specializing in neurological research and treatment. Chair: Prof. Eva Feldman, USA Members:

• Prof. Letizia Mazzini, Italy
• Prof. Kristof Bankiewicz, USA/Poland
• Prof. Benedikt Berninger, Germany/UK
• Prof. Nick Boulis, USA
• Dr. Ralf Clauss, UK
• Prof. Steven Laureys, Belgium
• Prof. Zaal Kokaia, Sweden
• Prof. Alexei Verkhratsky, UK

Considering the extensive expertise of our researchers from the Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences (IMDiK PAN), in the fields of stem cells, ischemic brain modeling in animals, and cell transplantation, as well as the opportunity to consult our project with the experts from the International Scientific Council of the Foundation, and the collaboration with leading centers for the treatment of coma patients, we are steadily preparing for preclinical studies on large animals at the Center for Regenerative Medicine at SGGW.

Clinical research on the regenerative properties of neural progenitor cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in a focal brain injury model is also in progress.

The Foundation also supports the international Curing Coma campaign, created in 2019 by the Neurocritical Care Society (NCS) in Chicago, USA, and participates in World Coma Day, celebrated on March 22.

Annually, from March 20 to April 20, the Foundation runs a public awareness campaign to raise and expand current knowledge about coma.