Priv. Doz. Dr. Nikolai Axmacher
Group Leader
German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)
Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25
53105 Bonn
nikolai.axmacher(at)dzne.de
+49 (0) 228 / 287-19341
+49 (0) 228 / 287-16294
More information
Areas of investigation/research focus
Memory dysfunctions are a major symptom in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. In our group, we combine various methods from the cognitive neurosciences (functional MRI and intracranial EEG) to study the mechanisms of these disorders in Alzheimer’s dementia. This interdisciplinary approach aims at bridging the gap between animal experiments on the cellular pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and neuroimaging studies in patient populations, and thus at improving our knowledge on the neuronal mechanisms underlying clinically observed cognitive impairments.
We have three main research foci: First, we investigate neural processes related to predictors of cognitive decline in prodromal stages of Alzheimer’s dementia and in healthy subjects with genetic risk factors. These studies aim at a mechanistic explanation of neuroimaging findings that predict disease progression. Endophenotypes of genetic polymorphisms which increase the risk for AD are investigated with fMRI and with intracranial EEG. Second, we study the interaction of memory processes in the medial temporal lobe and in the basal ganglia. These interactions are relevant for an understanding of the compensatory potential in neurodegenerative diseases. Third, we explore the therapeutic potential of DBS for treating cognitive dysfunctions in Alzheimer’s dementia. In particular, we will test whether low-intensity stimulation with complex stimulation patterns may mimic physiological activity related to memory processes.
Publications
The actually ten most relevant publikations
The role of phase synchronization in memory processes.
Fell J, Axmacher N (2011). Nat Rev Neurosci 12: 105-118.
Natural memory beyond the storage model: Repression, trauma, and the construction of a personal past.
Axmacher N, Do Lam ATA, Kessler H, Fell J (2010). Front Hum Neurosci 4: 211.
Intracranial EEG correlates of expectancy and memory formation in the human hippocampus and nucleus accumbens.
Axmacher N, Cohen MX, Fell J, Haupt S, Dümpelmann M, Elger CE, Schlaepfer TE, Lenartz D, Sturm V, Ranganath C (2010). Neuron 65: 541-549.
Cross-frequency coupling supports multi-item working memory in the human hippocampus.
Axmacher N, Henseler MM, Jensen O, Weinreich I, Elger CE, Fell J (2010). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 107: 3228-3233.
Working memory related hippocampal deactivation interferes with long-term memory formation.
Axmacher N, Elger CE, Fell J (2009). J Neurosci 29: 1052-1060.
Interactions between medial temporal lobe, prefrontal cortex, and inferior temporal regions during visual working memory: A combined intracranial EEG and fMRI study.
Axmacher N, Schmitz DP, Wagner T, Elger CE, Fell J (2008). J Neurosci 28: 7304-7312.
Ripples in the medial temporal lobe are relevant for human memory consolidation.
Axmacher N, Elger CE, Fell J (2008). Brain 131: 1806-1817.
Sustained neural activity patterns during working memory in the human medial temporal lobe.
Axmacher N, Mormann F, Fernández G, Cohen MX, Elger CE, Fell J (2007). J Neurosci 27: 7807-16.
Intrinsic cellular currents and the temporal precision of EPSP-action potential coupling in CA1 pyramidal cells.
Axmacher N, Miles R (2004). J Physiol 555: 713-725.
Two-photon imaging of spontaneous vesicular release in acute brain slices and its modulation by presynaptic GABAA receptors.
Axmacher N, Winterer J, Stanton PK, Draguhn A, Muller W (2004). Neuroimage 22: 1014-1021.