Research Area Alzheimer’s Disease

Not to be forgotten

Research Area generic

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and the major cause of dementia.

About Alzheimer’s disease research

Dementia has been identified by the World Health Organisation as a major health issue. With an expected increase from currently 55 million cases to about 150 million in 2050, dementia will significantly affect healthcare systems worldwide. Approximately two-thirds of all dementia patients are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to memory dysfunction, behavioural disturbances, and loss of all higher cognitive functions. To date, the biological mechanisms responsible for this disease remain unclear and neither preventive nor disease-modifying therapies exist.

With age being considered the most important risk factor, this number will increase in the next decades due to the increasing life expectancy. Patients exhibit severe memory impairments, cognitive decline, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. While the clinical symptoms are rather well defined, the molecular mechanisms underlying brain dysfunction in Alzheimer’s are still poorly characterized and there is currently no cure, though first treatments are becoming available that influence the course of disease. At the University of Luxembourg, we study the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases to ultimately develop new ways of treatment.

We also oversee the national Programme for Dementia Prevention (pdp) funded by the Health Ministry. People suspected of MCI and presenting elevated risk factors can be referred by their physician to pdp to receive tailored measures such as dietary suggestions, sports classes, and memory training. It aims to delay dementia onset in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by establishing a personalized risk profile through memory tests and lifestyle questionnaires and then addressing those risk factors.

Research groups