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Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe)
Contact the Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe)Neurology Consultation SecretariatTel. 02 555 33 57E-mail : Cons [dot] Neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Cons[dot]Neuro[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)General Secretariat of NeurologyTel. 02 555 69 25E-mail : sec [dot] med [dot] neuro [at] erasme [dot] ulb [dot] ac [dot] be (sec[dot]med[dot]neuro[at]erasme[dot]ulb[dot]ac[dot]be) An Innovative Structure Serving Patients, Their Families, and Research In response to the rapidly increasing number of age-related cognitive disorders and the anticipated arrival of disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, Erasmus Hospital – H.U.B launched, in 2025 and with the support of the Erasmus Fund, the establishment of the Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe). This pioneering facility combines diagnosis, care, and cutting-edge research in one place to offer patients and their loved ones complete, coordinated, and accessible support.Designed as a reference center, CIMe offers comprehensive, human, and innovative care. Each patient benefits from a structured care pathway from the first cognitive complaints, including a thorough assessment, a personalized care plan, and regular follow-up, including support for caregivers and family. Patient Care Path at CIMe From First Symptoms to Long-Term Follow-Up The Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe) offers a full care pathway for people with memory or other cognitive difficulties. The evaluation is multidisciplinary, person-centered, and adapted to each profile. CIMe welcomes patients of all ages, including early forms of Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions. Image Image Image Our Care Services At CIMe patients can access:Specialized memory consultations (neurology, geriatrics)In-depth neuropsychological evaluationsAdditional exams: brain imaging (MRI, PET), EEG, polysomnography, biological and genetic analysesShort hospitalization (3 days/2 nights) for intensive assessment  Personalized care plan discussed in a multidisciplinary meetingRegular outpatient follow-up (medical and paramedical)Support for family and caregiversPotential participation in clinical studies and innovative projects With its dedicated hospitalization unit, immersive virtual reality platform, and access to unique technologies such as magnetoencephalography, CIMe offers personalized care integrated with clinical research and focused on the future. Technologies Used at CIMe Immersive Virtual Reality RoomVirtual reality, initially used in rehabilitation and psychiatry since 2010, is now innovatively applied to cognitive neurology. The immersive virtual reality room at CIMe allows:Immersive diagnostic assessments by recreating familiar environments (kitchen, street, etc.)Observation of cognitive and behavioral issues in simulated everyday contextsPotential future use in cognitive stimulation protocols or anxiety management Specialized Hospital Rooms CIMe provides short stays (3 days/2 nights) for intensive diagnostic evaluations in a comfortable environment. All rooms are equipped with continuous electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity and polysomnography (sleep study). These stays also allow for integrated multidisciplinary evaluations.  Magnetoencephalography (MEG) MEG is a highly precise method for recording brain activity used in neuroscience. It can detect early dysfunction in brain networks, even before symptoms appear. Erasmus Hospital is the only center in Belgium equipped with MEG, central to several clinical research projects on memory and Alzheimer’s disease. The CIMe Team Prof. Mélanie Strauss — Academic Head of CIMe Academic Head, CIMeHead of Adult Sleep Functional Unit (SomA)PositionHospital Professor, NeurologistSpecialist in cognitive neuroscience, sleep, and vigilanceFNRS Researcher Clinician and researcher, Prof. Mélanie Strauss coordinates translational research projects focused on the links between sleep, memory, and neurodegeneration. Her work combines cognitive neuropsychology paradigms, multimodal neuroimaging methods, and longitudinal studies to better understand the importance of sleep in brain health and to identify early biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Jean-Christophe Bier — Head of CIMe Member of the HUB Hospital–Faculty Ethics Committee.Chair of the Clinical Ethics Consultation Unit – ErasmePositionNeurologist, Deputy Head of ClinicSpecialist in cognitive neuroscience and behavioral disorders Dr. Jean-Christophe Bier organizes and delivers care based on a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach. He is involved in translational research projects focusing on cognitive and behavioral disorders. His particular expertise in the potential impact of disease on patients’ relatives led him to develop the ASAPP project (Support and Assistance for Family Caregivers and Patients). A multidisciplinary team dedicated to patients and their loved ones MédecinsPr Mélanie Strauss, neurologue (FR, EN)Dr Jean-Christophe Bier, neurologue (FR, EN)Dr Louisien Lebrun, neurologue (FR, EN)Dr Faustine Lebout, neurologue (FR, EN)Infirmiers neurotechniquesNathalie BuffeDidier Depre NeuropsychologuesOumaïma BenkiraneDaphne ChylinskiPatrick FeryFlorence GaillardinChristelle MaenhoutHichem SlamaMuriel Vandenberghe LogopèdesNathalie GuerryAnne-Sophie Van Der MarenErgothérapeuteMarina Tuganova   CIMe collaborates with departments such as: Neurology Lien vers Neurology Geriatrics Lien vers Geriatrics Neuropsychology & Speech Therapy Lien vers Neuropsychology & Speech Therapy ENT Lien vers ENT Ophtalmology Lien vers Ophtalmology Psychiatry Lien vers Psychiatry Rehabilitation Translational Neuro-Imaging Lien vers Translational Neuro-Imaging Radiology - Medical Imaging Lien vers Radiology - Medical Imaging Nuclear Medicine Lien vers Nuclear Medicine Genetics Lien vers Genetics Hospital Laboratory (LHUB) Resources and useful links Whether you have already been diagnosed or suspect that you may be experiencing memory disorders or Alzheimer’s disease, we are here to support you and guide you step by step. That is why we offer a range of resources (produced by physicians, researchers, patient associations, and public health stakeholders) which, on the one hand, will help you better understand and manage the disease and, on the other hand, enable you to identify support groups with whom you can connect and share experiences. FACTSHEET - Alzheimers' disease FACTSHEET - Dementia and cognitive disorders USEFUL CONTACTS - Association, Neuro-Geriatric Center, etc. FAQ on Memory, Cognitive Disorders, and Alzheimer’s Disease 1. What’s the difference between normal forgetfulness and a memory disorder? Occasional forgetfulness (e.g., names or keys) is common with age and not necessarily pathological. But frequent forgetfulness that interferes with daily life can indicate cognitive disorder or another medical cause. 2. What is a cognitive disorder? It refers to impairment in higher mental functions such as memory, attention, language, or reasoning. Causes vary including neurodegeneration (e.g., Alzheimer’s), stroke, deficiencies, medications, depression, etc. 3. What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia — a neurodegenerative disease that progressively destroys brain neurons, first affecting memory then language, thinking, orientation, and behavior. 4. What early signs should you watch for? Subtle signs include trouble remembering recent events, frequent repetition, difficulty managing familiar tasks, and disorientation. Consult a professional if daily life is impacted. 5. Do all memory problems mean Alzheimer’s? No. Many causes, including vitamin B12 deficiency, depression, or medication effects, can cause cognitive symptoms. Only medical evaluation can determine the cause. 6. What are mild cognitive impairments (MCI)? MCI refers to memory or cognitive difficulties greater than normal aging but not severe enough to majorly impact independence. Some remain stable; others can progress. 7. When should you see a doctor? See a doctor if forgetfulness worsens, others notice changes, or there are language, orientation, or decision-making problems. Your GP can do an initial assessment and refer you to memory specialists. 8. How are cognitive disorders assessed? Assessment includes a clinical interview, standardized cognitive tests, and sometimes imaging (MRI, CT) or biological tests. 9. Is there a treatment for Alzheimer’s or cognitive disorders? There’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s or most dementias. Some treatments can slow symptoms and improve life quality. Reversible causes sometimes can be treated. 10. Can cognitive disorders be prevented? Although not guaranteed, a healthy lifestyle — regular exercise, balanced diet, mental stimulation, good sleep, and stress management — is associated with better brain health.
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Listen to your breath!
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. On this occasion, the H.U.B. is offering a wide range of activities to inform and engage both the public and healthcare professionals in preventing this disease. Read more. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Why? Because it is often detected too late due to a lack of early symptoms. Raising awareness among the public and healthcare professionals can therefore help achieve earlier diagnoses and save lives!That’s why, during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, H.U.B. experts are mobilising to offer a series of activities designed to help you learn more about your lungs, the diseases that can affect them (such as cancer and COPD), existing treatments and care options, and above all, how to protect your respiratory health.Programme – Lung Cancer Awareness MonthTuesday, November 4, 2025Patient Workshop: Overcoming Barriers to Lung Cancer DiagnosisA space for discussion and reflection on the obstacles to diagnosis and management of lung cancer. This workshop allows patients to share their experiences and better understand the factors influencing their decisions. The goal is to identify concrete ways to provide more personalized and timely support that meets patients’ needs and personal objectives.From November 10 to 14, 2025Exhibition: “Giant Lungs”Visit the Jules Bordet Institute to discover Giant Lungs, a large inflatable structure featuring an interactive educational path that explains how the lungs work, their role, and the impact of pollution, tobacco, and other factors on respiratory health. “Giant Lungs” also offers interactive quizzes, fun breathing assessments, and the opportunity to talk with pulmonology and oncology specialists! In partnership with All.Can Belgium.Wednesday, November 19, 2025Information and Respiratory Health Assessment BoothOn the occasion of World COPD Day, the pulmonology and thoracic oncology teams will welcome you at both the Jules Bordet Institute and Erasme Hospital to assess your lung health and answer your questions. Adventurous patients (whose health allows it) will also have the chance to take part in a cycling challenge alongside H.U.B healthcare staff!Tuesday, November 25, 2025Seminar for general practitionersA session dedicated to the key role of general practitioners in the early detection of lung cancer. This seminar offers an update on warning signs and care pathways. Objective: strengthen clinical vigilance, patient dialogue, and coordination for faster, more effective management.Program and registration details to follow. Program & resgitration (in French)About Lung CancerLung cancer occurs when certain lung cells change and multiply uncontrollably, forming an abnormal mass called a tumor.There are two main types of lung cancer:Non-small cell lung cancer (the most common, about 80% of cases).Small cell lung cancer (rarer but more aggressive).Prevalence in BelgiumLung cancer is among the most common cancers in Belgium.About 9,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.It is the leading cause of cancer death, all types combined.Main risk factor: tobacco, but other causes include exposure to radon, air pollution, passive smoking, and family history.SymptomsPersistent or changing coughCoughing up bloodChest pain or shortness of breathHoarsenessUnintentional weight loss, fatigueRepeated lung infections (bronchitis, pneumonia)Note: Having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean cancer, but it’s important to see a doctor if they persist. With the support of:
Health issues
Lung Cancer
What is lung cancer? Lung cancer is a disease in which certain cells in the lungs grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumor.There are two main types of lung cancer:• Non-small cell lung cancer (most common, about 80% of cases).• Small cell lung cancer (less common, but more aggressive).Prevalence in BelgiumLung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Belgium.About 9,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.It is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the country.The main risk factor is smoking, but others exist: exposure to radon, air pollution, passive smoking, family history.SymptomsPersistent or changing coughCoughing up bloodChest pain or shortness of breathHoarsenessUnexplained weight loss, fatigueRecurrent lung infections (bronchitis, pneumonia) Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean cancer, but it’s important to see a doctor if they persist. Medical Management of Lung Cancer 1. ScreeningRoutine screening for lung cancer is not yet widespread in Belgium.Studies are underway to offer targeted screening to high-risk individuals (e.g., heavy smokers).2. DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on:Medical imaging: chest CT scan, PET scan, MRIBronchoscopy (allows direct visualization and tissue sampling)Biopsy: confirms cancer by analyzing cells3. TreatmentTreatment depends on the cancer type, stage, and overall health.It may include:Surgery: removal of the tumor when possibleRadiotherapy: using radiation to destroy cancer cellsChemotherapy: drugs that kill cancer cellsTargeted therapy: acts on specific genetic mutations of the tumorImmunotherapy: stimulates the immune system to fight cancer4. Follow-upRegular follow-up is essential:Clinical and imaging check-upsManagement of side effectsPsychological, nutritional, and respiratory support Learn more about lung cancer care at the H.U.B. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) over lung cancer 1. Does lung cancer only affect smokers? No. Smoking is the main cause, but 10–15% of patients have never smoked. 2. What are the early warning signs? Persistent cough, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss. 3. Can lung cancer be detected early? Yes, in theory, but there is no official screening program yet in Belgium.If you have symptoms or are a smoker, consult a doctor. 4. What are the survival rates? They vary depending on the stage—earlier detection improves outcomes. 5. Does quitting smoking reduce the risk even after years of smoking? Yes, quitting significantly lowers the risk, even after many years. 6. Is lung cancer hereditary? There may be genetic predispositions, but smoking remains the main risk factor. 7. Are the tests painful? Most tests, like CT and PET scans, are painless. Biopsies can be slightly uncomfortable but are performed under local anesthesia. 8. Can I live normally during treatment? It depends on the treatment type and side effects, but tailored medical support helps maintain quality of life. 9. What are the side effects of lung cancer treatments? They vary greatly by therapy but are increasingly well managed. 10. Where can I find support? Patient associations, specialized psychologists, and hospital support teams can help. Resources and useful links about lung cancer Whether you’ve been diagnosed or suspect lung cancer, you’re not alone. Here are reliable sources and support groups to help you understand and manage the disease: [ORGANIZATION] Foundation against Cancer (in French) [ORGANIZATION] All.Can (information and myth-busting about lung cancer) [ORGANIZATION] Tabacstop (in French) [PATIENT ASSOCIATION] ALK Positive Belgium (ALK+ lung cancer patients) [PATIENT ASSOCIATION] PROLONG Belgium (lung cancer and mesothelioma) (in French) [ORGANIZATION] Belgian Lung Foundation
Lung Cancer
Article
Major progress in treating prostate cancer at the H.U.B 
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, currently affecting 1 in 10 men in Belgium. Thanks to the expertise of multidisciplinary teams and the effectiveness of innovative methods, the Jules Bordet Institute, as the Brussels University Hospital (U.U.B) Cancer Centre, proposes ultra-personalised patient care and is adopting a pioneering role, nationally and internationally, in cancer care and research in the field of prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.       More targeted diagnosis with the PANDORA study  A number of tests are required to diagnose prostate cancer, starting with measuring PSA levels in the blood and a digital rectal examination. If these examinations indicate a suspected cancer, an MRI can be carried out, in some cases followed by a prostate biopsy (removal of tiny samples of prostate tissue) to confirm and refine the result. The prostate biopsy is the key examination in the prostate diagnosis as it alone can confirm the presence of a cancer and is an essential factor when deciding on the treatment options. However, this biopsy can cause discomfort to patients, present a risk of complications (infection, bleeding) and sometimes reveal indolent tumours that do not require treatment. Experts at the Brussels University Hospital are therefore exploring alternatives to the biopsy. The PANDORA study, supported by the Jules Bordet Association, the Erasmus Fund and the Belgian Association of Urology, is posing the hypothesis that by including a PSMA PET/MRI in the  diagnosis tests it will be easier to effectively select patients who genuinely need a prostate biopsy  and therefore avoid unnecessary biopsies.  “This method combines the detection of an overexpressed protein in prostate cancer cells (PSMA) by means of positron emission tomography (PET) and the carrying out of a prostate MRI,” explains Romain Diamand, the PANDORA study investigator. Although at present it is used primarily to identify a recurrence of prostate cancer, it seems that this examination is also very promising for assisting in the initial diagnosis of this type of cancer.    More effective radiotherapy treatment thanks to an MRI-Linac   Thanks to its expertise and multidisciplinarity, the Jules Bordet Institute is able to offer ultra- personalised prostate cancer care. Since acquiring the MRI-Linac 1.5 T, with the support of the Jules Bordet Association, the progress in radiotherapy treatment has been nothing less than remarkable. This machine, the only one of its kind in Belgium, combines the power of a linear accelerator with the image quality of an MRI to provide tumour images in real time and thus a more precise targeting of  radiotherapy. “For the patient, this kind of ultra-personalised treatment that can be adapted daily makes it possible to spare a maximum of healthy tissue, reduce the risks of toxicity compared to conventional machines and, for some prostate cancers, reduce the number of radiotherapy sessions to 5, “ explains François Xavier Otte, radiotherapist at the Jules Bordet Institute.   Hopes for minimally invasive treatment: focal therapy  Focal therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that can be prescribed as an alternative to surgery or radiotherapy for small tumours caught at an early stage. The principle is to treat  the cancer zone and leave the rest of the prostate intact and thereby avoid risks of impotence and incontinence. There are several types of focal therapy: ultrasound, cryotherapy and laser. The Jules Bordet Institute is the only centre in Belgium to propose focal therapy using HIFU (High Intensity Focal Ultrasounds) technology that employs high energy ultrasound to destroy the disease. Research into focal therapies is very promising and a number of trials are in progress to validate new protocols. Microwave ablation has already shown its effectiveness in treating a number of organs. “The VIOLETTE study is seeking to prove its effectiveness in treating prostate cancer thanks to ultra-focal therapy with a microwave ablation protocol with image fusion so as to achieve a very precise  elimination of the tumour core, thereby neutralising it without harming the prostate functions,” explains Alexandre Peltier, urologist and principal investigator with the VIOLETTE study. 
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Internal medicine
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Médecine Interne - Erasme
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Physical medicine
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Médecine Physique - Erasme