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What is endometriosis? The endometrium is a tissue that lines the cavity of the uterus that potentially houses an embryo and that is evacuated during menstruation. It sometimes happens that tissue resembling the endometrium grows outside the cavity of the uterus, into the ovaries,  the rectovaginal space, bladder or intestines, etc. This is the condition known as endometriosis.    While some patients show no symptoms, most experience pain, sometimes very severe pain, in the area of the (lower) abdomen or back, either during or between periods, during sexual relations or when urinating etc. Endometriosis can be the source of fertility problems, chronic fatigue, addiction to painkillers, absenteeism from school or work, etc. It can also cause major psychological stress, especially when patients consult and suffer discomfort for several years without being correctly diagnosed and treated.     Treatment The H.U.B Endometriosis Clinic offers global and multidisciplinary care.   The first consultation: You and the gynaecologist first note your symptoms, your antecedents and any medication you may be taking (including contraceptives). The doctor then undertakes a meticulous gynaecological medical examination, followed by an endovaginal ultrasound.   Additional examinations: The gynaecologist can also prescribe a pelvic MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. However, neither the MRI nor the endovaginal ultrasound always show everything. In some cases a laparoscopy is needed. This surgical intervention, used for both diagnosis and treatment, involves inserting a tiny camera and surgical instruments through an incision in the abdomen of just 1 cm. Identified endometriosis lesions   are removed or destroyed. Medical treatment is generally the first treatment option. The menstrual cycle is rested using a hormonal contraceptive, chosen according to your profile and preferences.   Surgical treatment involves “burning” or removing the endometriosis lesions by means of a conventional (laparoscopy) or robotic (see Focus) technique that is minimally invasive.   Other treatment: The clinic also proposes consultations in psychology and sexology to help you manage the potential impact of the endometriosis on your mental health and/or intimacy.   Shiatsu (therapeutic massage technique) sessions are also proposed.    The Endometriosis Clinic collaborates with  the Fertility Clinic, the Medical Imaging Department and H.U.B’s Multidisciplinary Centre for Pain Evaluation and Treatment.  Advice Certain lifestyle changes can improve endometriosis symptoms. It is therefore recommended to:      take regular exercise ; adopt an anti-inflammatory diet that limits foods likely to increase endometriosis pain (typically fermented foods);   make an intelligent use of painkillers, in appropriate doses at the right time.    Focus The H.U.B Endometriosis Clinic has a Da Vinci® robot with a dual console. This makes it possible not only to reach lesions where access is difficult but also to operate with four hands. Depending on the location of the endometriosis lesions, the gynaecologist operates with the urologist or specialist in digestive surgery.  Research The H.U.B Endometriosis Clinic participates in clinic trials  to find new treatment and in fundamental research projects to arrive at a better understanding of the causes  – in particular environmental – of the disease.    Our specialists Gynaecology - ObstetricsEndometriosis specialists : M Fastrez, K Crener, L Imperiale, C Vanneste, C Soria, M ZingarelliImaging specialists : R Lejeune, G GarofaloFertility specialists : I Demeestere, A Delbaere, C HoubaUrology : T QuackelsMedical imaging : A Massez, M SyNuclear medicine : I VierasuAnatomopathology : JC NoëlAlgology : N Van Cutsem, T TunaParamedicalAdministrative coordination : S HecqPsychologist : A CailleauxSexotherapist : G Van BraekelPhysiotherapist : R GarnirShiatsu practitioner : P HaassNurses :Surgical area : F DelsaHospitalisation : A DosseConsultation : E Chasseriaud, P GosselinResearch nurse : F Henry Associated services

What is anaemia? Anaemia is a condition characterised by a deficiency of red blood cells and haemoglobin in the blood. Common but rarely serious it can nevertheless be debilitating. Anaemia causes tiredness and sleeping problems, pallor and a breathlessness that can aggravate an existing problem (e.g. cardiac insufficiency, chronic bronchitis, etc.). Symptoms may appear suddenly or progressively and impair the quality of life of those affected.  Anaemia has many causes: iron deficiency (very common) and/or certain vitamin deficiencies, an underlying auto-immune disease, hereditary or oncological diseases, etc. It is therefore essential to identify precisely the origin of an anaemia if it is to be treated effectively.   Care Consultation and further examinations If your doctor (generalist or specialist) sees from your blood test results that you are anaemic  and considers that an examination is needed, you can yourself make an appointment online or by telephone. If your doctor believes this is urgent, he or she can contact the duty haematologist to ensure you are fast tracked. This will ensure you see a haematologist within 72 hours and if necessary you can receive immediate intravenous treatment at the Erasmus Day Hospital. If your blood test did not make it possible to identify the cause of your anaemia, further examinations will be carried out. For example, a bone marrow biopsy (not to be confused with a spinal cord biopsy) may be necessary.    It is in the bone marrow that red blood cells are produced. If not enough are being produced the biopsy often makes it possible to understand why.   Treatment and follow up The treatment of anaemia depends on its cause and can include:   Iron and/or vitamin supplements taken orally or intravenously for anaemia caused by a deficiency;    EPO injections to stimulate the production of red cells by the bone marrow;   Blood transfusions, etc. After initiating the treatment, the haematologist will inform your GP to draw up a joint treatment plan    Focus The H.U.B Department of Haematology is recognised for its expertise in a number of fields and pathologies potentially linked to anaemia.  The department is a European reference centre for rare causes of anaemia and other red blood cell and low iron disorders . This expertise makes it possible to propose certain leading edge treatments that can only be administered at a reference centre. Image Research The H.U. B Department of Haematology has a clinical research unit. This enables certain patients to benefit from innovative treatment in the framework of clinical trials.    Our specialists Our associated services

What is obstructive sleep apnea? The most common sleep-related breathing disorder is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), which affects approximately 1 in 20 people in Belgium.It is characterised by pauses in breathing lasting at least 10 seconds during sleep, caused by the collapse of the airways due to nighttime muscle relaxation. OSAS is often, but not always, accompanied by snoring. It affects sleep quality, leading to nighttime awakenings, non-restorative sleep, fatigue or daytime sleepiness. Over time, OSAS can have numerous physiological and/or psychological consequences, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, psychiatric (depression) and cognitive effects (memory and concentration problems, etc.). Far from being harmless, OSAS significantly affects quality of life.The main risk factors for this condition are smoking and being overweight. Treatment DiagnosisThe essential diagnostic test for this type of condition is a sleep study carried out at the Adult Sleep Functional Unit. This involves spending one night in hospital so that various sleep parameters can be recorded, allowing a comprehensive assessment of different sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome.What happens during a sleep study?You will generally arrive at the sleep laboratory at around 2 p.m. A member of staff will settle you into a private room. Before going to sleep, several sensors will be attached to your body and connected to the various monitoring devices. Depending on the circumstances, a camera may record you during the night. This allows the team to identify any abnormal movements (e.g. leg movements, parasomnias, etc.), ensure your safety in the event of a nighttime behavioural disorder, and reconnect a sensor that may have become detached while you were asleep. The following day, the extensive data collected are analysed. This analysis makes it possible to confirm the diagnosis of OSAS and/or identify any other potential sleep disorders. A further assessment by another medical specialist may sometimes be necessary.TreatmentDepending on the cause, origin and severity of OSAS, various treatments are available:For people whose OSAS is caused by sleeping on their back, positional therapy may be recommended to correct their sleeping position.As being overweight and obesity are the main risk factors for OSAS, weight loss is always recommended for people concerned.Alcohol, smoking and muscle-relaxing medications (such as benzodiazepines) can also worsen OSAS. People concerned may therefore be referred to specialised care to help them reduce or stop using these substances.Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) involves wearing a (usually) nasal mask during the night to prevent apneas.A mandibular advancement device is generally indicated for mild to moderate OSAS (< 30 apneas per hour). This device is custom-made by ENT and oral medicine specialists.Maxillofacial surgery can be used to correct the position of the mandible (lower jaw) and maxilla (upper jaw), particularly in people with moderate to severe OSAS (> 30 apneas per hour). Discover our Adult Sleep Functional Unit

Different forms of asthma Asthma affects all age groups. It is important to consider the age at which it begins: before or after 30 years. Early-onset asthma is often allergic, more common in boys, and usually (but not always) less severe. It may disappear in adulthood. Asthma that develops after 30 is usually non-allergic (though it can be), more common in women, and often more unpredictable. Contrary to common belief, asthma can also develop at an advanced age.The severity of asthma requires several months of observation to be defined and may change over time. Allergic asthma is often associated with allergic rhinitis, which should be properly treated to improve asthma control. The connection between lower airways (asthma) and upper airways (rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal polyps) is so important that joint consultations are offered every two weeks.From a pathophysiological perspective, the airways of asthma patients are affected by inflammation and bronchospasm, varying in intensity over time and usually reversible with treatment or sometimes spontaneously.Airway obstruction and inflammation cause asthma symptoms, which are non-specific and include shortness of breath, cough, sputum production, wheezing, and chest pain. These symptoms occur more often at night and may appear as attacks or become chronic. Asthma management Management begins with a detailed history to identify triggering circumstances, especially possible allergic causes (dust, animals, seasonal factors such as pollen), and to assess lifestyle factors (smoking, sports, occupation).In addition to clinical examination, tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis, assess inflammation and allergic status, and characterize the asthma type. The main test is a pulmonary function test to demonstrate airway obstruction and its reversibility with bronchodilators. Outside of attacks, results may be normal, requiring a bronchial provocation test.Because asthma is also an inflammatory disease, airway inflammation is assessed by measuring nitric oxide (NO) in exhaled air. This is a simple and harmless test. Inflammation can also be evaluated through blood tests or, less commonly, induced sputum analysis.The allergic nature of asthma is confirmed through specific tests. Skin prick testing is the preferred method: allergen extracts are introduced into the skin, and results are read after 20 minutes. A positive reaction causes redness, slight swelling, and itching. This method is quick, painless, and suitable even for young children. Blood tests can also provide this information.Highly effective inhaled treatments have been available for about twenty years. These combine an anti-inflammatory drug (inhaled corticosteroid) and a bronchodilator. Proper inhaler use is essential and must be taught by qualified staff. The clinic provides an “Asthma School” for this purpose.When allergic rhinitis is present, antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids improve symptoms and asthma control. Allergen immunotherapy (desensitization) may be proposed, involving gradually increasing doses of the allergen to build tolerance.Significant progress has been made in treating severe asthma over the past 15 years. Biological therapies (injections) target specific mechanisms and are tailored to different asthma types. They are costly and subject to strict reimbursement criteria.The clinic also manages other allergies, including food, drug, and insect venom allergies. About one in two people will experience an allergic reaction during their lifetime. Diagnosis may involve skin tests, blood tests, and oral provocation tests under medical supervision, as well as controlled desensitization procedures in hospital settings.

Clinic Mission: Management of Thoracic Cancers The Thoracic Oncology Clinic at H.U.B specializes in the multidisciplinary management of patients with lung, pleural, and mediastinal cancers, including:Bronchopulmonary cancers (non-small cell and small cell)Pleural tumors (mesotheliomas and others)Mediastinal tumors (thymomas and others)Pleuro-pulmonary metastasesDiagnostic management is provided through an advanced pulmonary endoscopy unit (bronchoscopic fiberoscopy, GPS navigation, endobronchial ultrasound [EBUS], cryobiopsies, etc.) and close collaboration with a highly skilled team of pathologists and the molecular biology laboratory.The weekly multidisciplinary thoracic oncology meeting (CUB Erasme Hospital and Jules Bordet Institute) brings together top specialists in radiology, nuclear medicine, pneumology, thoracic oncology, thoracic surgery, radiotherapy, pathology, ISO, and other fields. This collaboration is the foundation for evidence-based therapeutic decisions aligned with the latest scientific research and best practice guidelines.Surgical management is provided by the Thoracic Surgery Department, in line with our institution’s long-standing integrated medical-surgical model.Radiotherapy management is provided by the Institut Jules Bordet team.Collaboration with the Gamma Knife Center of the Neurosurgery Department at Erasme Hospital and the Radiotherapy Department at Institut Jules Bordet ensures optimal management of brain metastases. Learn more about lung cancer care at the Jules Bordet Institute Academic Mission Training of medical residents in Pneumology and Internal MedicineTraining in Thoracic OncologySupervisor: CUB Erasme Hospital – J. Bordet Institute (ULB): Dr Mekinda Ngono Zita LéaOthers Research Mission Les activités de recherche clinique et fondamentale sont réalisées en collaboration avec l’Institut Jules Bordet et la faculté de médecine de l’ULB.Depuis la Création de l’Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB) en 2021, la prise en charge des pathologies oncologiques thoraciques se fait dans le cadre d’un projet de soins inter-inhospitalier CUB Hôpital Erasme et l’Institut Jules Bordet. Clinical and fundamental research activities are conducted in collaboration with the Jules Bordet Institute and the ULB Faculty of Medicine.Since the creation of the Brussels University Hospital (HUB) in 2021, the management of thoracic oncological diseases has been organized within an inter-hospital care project between CUB Erasme Hospital and the Jules Bordet Institute. Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Team Dr Mekinda Ngono Zita: Pulmonologist, Thoracic OncologistProf. Thierry Berghmans: Medical OncologistProf. Dimitri Leduc: PulmonologistProf. Benjamin Bondue: PulmonologistDr Blandine Jelli: Pulmonologist, Thoracic OncologistDr Olivier Taton: Pulmonologist, Thoracic OncologistProf. Mariana Brandao: Medical OncologistDr Anouk Goudsmit: Medical OncologistDr Alice Carrette: Pulmonologist, Thoracic OncologistDr Bogdan Grigoriu: PulmonologistDr Youri Sokolow: Thoracic SurgeonDr Maria Ruiz: Thoracic SurgeonDr Maarten Vander Kuylen: Thoracic SurgeonDr Elena Prisciandaro: Thoracic SurgeonProf. Pia Di Campli: Thoracic SurgeonProf. Myriam Remmelink: AnatomopathologistProf. Luigi Moretti: RadiotherapistProf. Caroline Keyzer: Radiologist

Our role The centre supports people who are transgender or who are questioning their gender identity, together with their loved ones, by giving them the opportunity to explain their difficulties and put their questions to  trained healthcare professionals. Our multidisciplinary team supports people of all ages, from children to adults, as part of an open and non-pathologizing approach. Our mission is also to provide information within the various health structures. Our specialities The centre has a multidisciplinary team and experts who are references in their specialities, consequently providing the most comprehensive support possible: Psychology and Sexology: Our psychologists and sexologists are at the heart of the support provided by the Horizon TransIdentity Centre. They are ready to listen to the life experiences of beneficiaries in a one-to-one, family or group context. Social service: This provides information and assistance to facilitate administrative procedures (link with the various institutions the beneficiaries are in contact with, assistance in obtaining identity documents, financial accompaniment, etc.) Paediatric endocrinology: Permits support during puberty, comprehensive health checkups and detailed information on puberty blockers as well as on the various gender-affirming hormone  treatments. When these treatments are prescribed the child endocrinologist makes regular progress checks to ensure the young person in question receives optimal care. Endocrinology: Permits detailed information on the different gender-affirming treatments. When these treatments are prescribed the endocrinologist makes a regular progress check to ensure optimal care. Gynaecology: Our Gynaecology Department has solid experience in the field of fertility preservation and medically assisted procreation. Our department ca also support beneficiaries when undergoing certain surgical procedures (hysterectomy, ovariectomy, etc.).   Urology and paediatric urology: The Urology Department permits support and follow-up before and after gender-affirming surgery  (metaidoïoplasty, phalloplasty, etc.)Child, adolescent and adult psychology: For beneficiaries who express the need, these departments permit an assessment and monitoring of a mental health problem by child psychiatrists and psychiatrists trained to be aware of and attentive to the plurality of gender expression. Plastic surgery: Our department proposes support throughout the various gender-affirming surgical procedures (torsoplasty, breast enlargement, facial surgery, etc.)Genetics: The Genetics Department is available to respond to doubts and questions, especially for intersex beneficiaries. Internal medicine: Through the HIV Reference Centre in particular, we are able to offer advice and support on sexual health.  Our team Centre :Marie Poncelet - CoordinatorSandrine Deplus – Psychologist & Case ManagerCatherine Odent – Psychologist & SexologistDenis Storme– Social worker Centre references, per speciality:Child urologist: Karim KhelifChild endocrinologist: Cécile Brachet & Alfredo VicinanzaChild psychiatry: Marie Poncelet & Véronique DelvenneEndocrinology: AglaiaKyrill i& Rebecca FischlerUrology: Thierry RoumeguereGynaeology: OraniteGoldrat& Anne DelbaerePlastic surgery: Diane Franck & Frederic UrbainGenetics: Catherine Vilain & Urielle UllmannPsychiatry: Camille PointInternal medicine – HIV Reference Centre : Jean-Christophe Goffard Contacts For beneficiaries aged under 16: child psychiatry consultation secretariat at HUDERF : +32 (0)2 477 31 80For those aged 16 and over: secretariat for child psychiatry consultations at Erasme : +32 (0)2 555 39 40

A nursing team by your side to treat wounds, support people with a digestive stoma bag, and ensure appropriate nutrition. Excellence in Care The mission of our clinical nursing team is based on three pillars — expertise, versatility, and resources — through which we apply a 360-degree vision. At the heart of the care pathway, we act as a link between the hospital, external partners, and the home. In complex situations, we anticipate, advise, and propose concrete solutions. Our goal: to facilitate each step of the care pathway and ensure a safe return home. Image Image Image A team with diverse and highly specialized expertise Composed of nurses specialized in wound care, stomatherapy, and clinical nutrition, our team mobilizes advanced skills to ensure high-quality care. Keeping our knowledge up to date and sharing best practices with healthcare professionals are part of our responsibilities. Beyond clinical practice, our team supports patients throughout their care journey through therapeutic education, practical explanations, and logistical follow-up. A key link in patient care management We are resource persons, a connecting link within a multidisciplinary dynamic, both in the hospital and at home. Our role is to anticipate, prevent, and adjust the care of each patient with wounds, stoma bags, and nutritional tubes. We also strive to facilitate contacts, clarify follow-up, and support communication between the various stakeholders to ensure optimal continuity of care. In summary: we go beyond care — we adapt our expertise to each patient and bring together all healthcare actors around integrated care. Our care areas Within the hospital, we follow our patients during hospitalization and in outpatient consultations.Wound care: establish a care or prevention protocol for complex wounds, help adapt ongoing treatment, in multidisciplinary collaboration (physician, dietitian).Stomatherapy: follow-up of patients with a stoma (wearing a pouch), appliance-related issues, flow management, education, management of difficult drain fittings, discharge equipment.Clinical nutrition: enteral and parenteral nutrition (via a feeding tube or central venous catheter). The multidisciplinary team initiates it in the hospital and then adapts it for home care.Contact us by phone at +32 (0)2 555 56 30 Our role within an academic hospital Within the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B), our team is actively committed to continuous improvement of care through training, practice evaluation, and the development of quality protocols via:Training (audits, evaluations, care protocols)Therapeutic education and connection with the patient-partner programPrevention and management protocols for complications (e.g., pressure ulcer prevention), risk factor assessment, and management of complex wounds through our expertise in innovative therapeutic approachesData recording Our team Head nurse: Asuncion Ballarin  Image Clinical nutrition nurse Erasmus HospitalAsuncion Ballarin, Stomatherapy nurse, clinical nutritionValérie Burion Jules Bordet InstituteIngrid Amorison   Wound care and stomatherapy nurse Erasmus HospitalAgathe Ducrocq: Stomatherapy nurse, wound care clinicianEduarda Meira: Stomatherapy nurse, wound care clinicianVéronique Duthie: Stomatherapy nurse, wound care clinicianJules Bordet Institut eAurore Mauen: Stomatherapy nurse, wound care clinician, oncology specialistMarlène Pacheco: Stomatherapy nurse, wound care clinician  Resources and useful links [HEALTH SHEET] Defunctioning stoma: understanding, living with it, and knowing … [ARTICLE] Feeding tube: a tool to take care of yourself when your body needs it [ARTICLE] “With a stoma, my body is different, but life is still possible”

Good news!You can now use MyHUB to book appointments directly for:a knee MRIa MammotestAs soon as your doctor has prescribed one of these examinations, you can view the available appointments and book the time slot that suits you, directly via the app.MyHUB also provides you with all the information you need to prepare for your examination and easily manage your appointments.Don’t have MyHUB yet? The app is free and can be accessed securely via itsme®.Discover MyHUB and download the app.

Our teams are working on a solution Due to a technical incident, people logging in to MyHUB for the first time are receiving an excessive number of emails from us. We are doing everything possible to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. 

Rare diseases Patients with a rare disease should receive appropriate and specific care: a diagnosis as quickly as possible and follow-up in care units trained in these rare conditions. The Rare Diseases Function (8 in Belgium) is responsible for coordinating, with the teams possessing the relevant expertise, care pathways and scientific research and training projects involving all stakeholders, to ensure appropriate care that is constantly evolving.

What are bile duct diseases? (Strictures, stones and leaks) Various conditions can cause an obstruction of the bile ducts (benign narrowing, scarring, cancer, gallstones, …), leading to symptoms such as jaundice, itching, infections and pain. After imaging assessment, some situations require an endoscopic procedure to treat the biliary obstruction.In this way, these procedures can be performed in a minimally invasive manner under radiological guidance by passing an endoscope through the mouth (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography – ERCP) in order to extract stones, place one or more biliary prostheses (stents), and take tissue samples. In some cases, it is necessary to use a miniature camera to access the bile ducts to directly evaluate or treat these diseases on site (cholangioscopy). After trauma or surgery, a bile duct leak may occur. Similarly, ERCP can be used to resolve these complications without the need for further surgery.If you experience any of the following symptoms (yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, itching, abdominal pain, fever), please consult your doctor. After blood tests and imaging (abdominal ultrasound or abdominal CT scan), a suspicion of bile duct disease may be identified. In some cases, an abdominal MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) will be necessary for the diagnosis. In all these situations, a consultation with a specialist should be requested, or even a visit to the emergency department, which may be followed by hospitalization. Make an appointment for a consultation Bile duct diseases: what medical care at H.U.B? Within the Endoscopy Clinic, all the techniques required to treat bile duct diseases are available in the hands of the gastroenterology team (endoscopic and percutaneous retrograde cholangiography, biliary drainage guided by endoscopic ultrasound), allowing patients to be treated within a short time. Furthermore, the multidisciplinary approach, enabling discussion of the ideal treatment for each patient with various specialists (radiologist, pathologist, oncologist, surgeon, …), is a major asset of our clinic. Discover the H.U.B Endoscopy Clinic Bile duct diseases: what scientific and medical innovations at H.U.B? Erasmus Hospital has been a pioneer in the endoscopic treatment of bile duct diseases since the 1970s, when many innovations were developed under the leadership of Prof. Cremer and later Prof. Devière. This well-established expertise continues today, together with numerous related innovations, as evidenced by the department’s many scientific publications. Our Contributions to Scientific Research As members of a leading academic hospital, our healthcare professionals conduct scientific research projects to advance medicine and continuously improve the quality of care provided to patients. View the list of our scientific publications

What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory, but also language, thinking, reasoning, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. The disease progresses slowly over several years and leads to a gradual loss of independence.Alzheimer’s, memory issues, and normal aging: telling the differenceOccasionally forgetting a name or an appointment can be part of normal aging. However, when a person forgets recent events, gets lost in familiar places, or repeatedly asks the same questions, this may be a sign of a pathological disorder. Normal aging does not lead to loss of independence, unlike Alzheimer’s disease.Why is a medical diagnosis essential?An early diagnosis makes it possible to:Understand the difficulties encounteredBetter organize daily lifeAccess treatments (pharmacological or non-pharmacological) to slow disease progressionReceive support for the patient and their relativesEventually participate in research protocols and clinical trials Symptoms, causes, and risk factors Cognitive, behavioral, and functional symptomsCognitive: memory loss, difficulty with orientation, speaking, understanding, or planningBehavioral: irritability, anxiety, depression, agitation, possible hallucinationsFunctional: loss of independence in daily activities (managing finances, meals, mobility, hygiene, …)Known biological mechanisms (proteins, neurodegeneration – simplified)Identified risk factorsRole of sleep, lifestyle, and environmental factorsThe disease is linked to the accumulation of two abnormal proteins in the brain: beta-amyloid, which forms plaques, and tau, which accumulates inside neurons. These deposits disrupt communication between cells and lead to their degeneration.Age (main factor)Family history and genetics (APOE ε4)Cardiovascular factors (hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, obesity)Tobacco or alcohol useSedentary lifestyleSocial isolationHead injuriesSleep disorders or depressionHearing or vision lossAir pollutionPoor sleep quality, an unbalanced diet, physical inactivity, and exposure to pollution may contribute to the onset or worsening of symptoms. Conversely, physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and social interaction are protective. Key figures and prevalence in Belgium Approximately 200,000 people are currently living with dementia in Belgium, and since 2019 it has become the leading cause of death in the country.Alzheimer’s disease accounts for about 70% of dementia cases.This number could double by 2050 due to population aging and increasing prevalence of risk factors. The societal impact is considerable: loss of independence, caregiver burden, and rising healthcare costs.(sources: Sciensano, WHO). Early-onset Alzheimer’s: a still underrecognized reality A form occurring before age 65Alzheimer’s disease can occur earlier, sometimes as early as the forties or fifties. This is referred to as early-onset Alzheimer’s. It affects approximately 6 to 9% of patients (source: KCE Report 2021).Specific challenges (diagnosis, professional life, family)Frequent diagnostic delay (symptoms attributed to stress or depression)Major impact on professional and family lifeIssues with administrative recognition (pension, insurance, social rights)Importance of a structured and specialized care pathwayA structured, multidisciplinary, and early care approach is essential: neurologist, neuropsychologist, social worker, caregiver support, inclusion in research programs. Our specialists Our specialists Prof. Mélanie StraussAcademic Head of the Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe)Head of the Adult Sleep Functional Unit (SomA)PositionNeurologist, Hospital ProfessorSpecialist in cognitive neuroscienceSpecialist in sleep and vigilanceFNRS researcher Dr. Jean-Christophe BierHead of the Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe)Member of the HUB hospital-faculty ethics committeePresident of the Clinical Ethics Reflection Unit – ErasmePositionNeurologist, Deputy Head of ClinicSpecialist in cognitive neuroscience and behavioral disorders Clinical research and innovation: the REMEMBER project Understanding and anticipating Alzheimer’s diseaseObjectives of the REMEMBER projectThe REMEMBER project, led by the Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe) at Erasme Hospital, aims to better understand the origins of Alzheimer’s disease, identify early signs even before marked memory loss appears, and develop new non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches. Concretely, this involves building a large patient cohort followed over time, with a comprehensive assessment combining brain imaging, memory testing, biological analyses, and sleep recordings.Sleep, memory, and Alzheimer’s: an inseparable trioWe now know that sleep is not just a period of rest. It plays a fundamental role in memory consolidation and brain cleansing, particularly through a system called the “glymphatic” system, which is especially active during deep sleep. When sleep is disrupted, the brain becomes less efficient at clearing certain proteins such as beta-amyloid and tau, which accumulate abnormally in Alzheimer’s disease. The REMEMBER project specifically aims to better measure the link between poor sleep quality, memory loss, and the development of characteristic brain lesions.Why is this important?To better identify at-risk individuals from the earliest signs (mild memory issues, insomnia, anxiety…) and address modifiable risk factors quicklyTo monitor disease progression in a personalized wayTo test innovative approaches such as auditory stimulation during deep sleep (CLAS) or immersive virtual realityWhat does this change for patients?More precise cognitive and biological assessments conducted over a few daysFaster care with a personalized treatment planOpportunity to participate in clinical studies or access emerging therapiesBetter information and long-term support, including for familiesA project supported by the Erasme FundThe Erasme Fund for medical research is a key player in this project. Thanks to its support, the REMEMBER cohort has been launched in a structured, innovative, and human-centered environment. It also funds complex analyses, specialized equipment (such as portable electroencephalography), and research positions involved in the study. The Integrated Memory Clinic An innovative structure serving patients, their families, and researchIn response to the rapid increase in age-related cognitive disorders and the anticipated arrival of disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, Erasme Hospital – H.U.B launched in 2025, with the support of the Erasme Fund, the Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe). This pioneering structure combines diagnosis, care, and cutting-edge research in one place, offering patients and their families comprehensive, coordinated, and accessible care.Designed as a reference center, CIMe provides a global, human, and innovative approach. Each patient benefits from a structured care pathway from the earliest cognitive complaints, including an in-depth assessment, a personalized care plan, and regular follow-up, also involving caregivers and family members. Discover the Clinic