The Department for Neurodegenerative Diseases

The Department for Neurodegenerative Diseases has been founded with the generous support of the charitable Hertie foundation in 2002. The department follows a comprehensive approach in fundamental and clinical research in the area of neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, from the molecular and genetic basis to innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches.

Through its clinical division, the department provides specialized care for inpatients on 20 bed ward, and outpatients through several specialized clinics. A full range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures is provided by specially trained physicians, physiotherapists, occupational and speech therapists and nurses. Modern imaging methodologies, such as transcranial ultrasound sonography of the brain parenchyma allows early diagnosis and assessment of risks. Genetic testing is offered for many inherited neurodegenerative diseases and movement disorders.

Innovative treatments for patients with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders include deep brain stimulation (together with the department of neurosurgery), pharmacologic treatment with treatment continuous apomorphine and levodopa infusions, but also botulinum toxin treatment for patients with dystonia’s or spastic gait disorders.

Rare neurodegenerative diseases, such as hereditary spastic paraplegias, inherited the ataxias, motor neuron diseases or leukoencephalopathies are the focus of the section for clinical Neurogenetics (Prof. Ludger Schöls). Fundamental research of the department is strengthened by the section for functional Neurogenetics (Prof. Philipp Kahle), who focuses on the biochemistry and cellular biology of neurodegenerative diseases.

Since 2010, the department is an integral part of the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and receives part of its institutional funding through this federal organization.

The department comprises presently 8 research groups.