Defeating dementia.

We now know that Alzheimer's dementia begins 15-20 years before the first symptoms are noticed. This means that by the time we notice the disease, it is already irreversible and far too advanced. If we want to lay the foundation for better prevention and effective therapies in the future, it is imperative that we decipher dementia better now.

To this end, DZNE pursues an interdisciplinary research strategy across five interconnected focal areas: basic research, clinical research, health services research, population research, and systematic medicine. Researchers work together across disciplines and locations in around 80 groups in order to bring new findings rapidly into application. For example, it has been possible to identify the first signs of dementia - so-called biomarkers - in the blood as early as 15 years before the first symptoms appear. This is an important first step in order to be able to evaluate new therapeutic approaches in the future at a point when the disease can still be combated in a significant way.

Helmholtz research is also concerned with the quality of life of people who are already affected by dementia. For example, DZNE established its “Dementia Care Management,” where nursing professionals are specially qualified to understand and record the living and care situation of the affected persons and their relatives in a holistic manner. Patients can then receive much better individual care, which has a significant positive impact on their health and greatly relieves the burden on both their relatives and the healthcare system.

(Header: DZNE/AG Stöcker)