The goal of clinical research at the DZNE is to develop effective therapies against neurodegenerative diseases. Achieving this requires not only studying the treatment of human patients, but also improving diagnostic methods in order to detect diseases earlier and divide patients into subgroups more effectively so that treatment can be adapted to their needs. The Clinical Network of the DZNE, with sites in Berlin, Bonn, Dresden, Göttingen, Magdeburg, Munich, Rostock/Greifswald, and Tübingen, plays a leading role in this endeavor. This network makes it possible to conduct comprehensive studies at multiple sites and according to uniform standards. Throughout these studies, the DZNE cooperates with the local university hospitals. In addition to types of dementia such as Alzheimer’s, the spectrum of studies also includes movement disorders such as Parkinson’s and ALS. The DZNE conducts its own clinical studies on a local and national level and is also a partner in international projects.
When it comes to neurodegenerative diseases, the first alterations in the brain usually begin many years before symptoms of the disease appear. In most cases, extensive nerve damage is already present at the time of diagnosis, so today’s current therapies come too late. By examining high-risk individuals as well as patients, clinical research at the DZNE is developing new biomarkers (disease indicators) that make it possible to diagnose patients earlier and also divide them into subgroups. This method is not only expected to detect diseases earlier, but also to apply therapies in a more tailored fashion – and thus more effectively. Examples of “biomarkers” are certain blood values and measured data from the cerebrospinal fluid, in addition to cerebral parameters that can be determined with imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging.
Alongside observational studies, which serve to determine how diseases progress and what their early signs are, the DZNE also conducts studies of treatment methods. This involves not only the effect of physical activity on mental performance, for example, but also testing active substances, which may include already approved drugs or newly developed substances. Such studies are initiated by the DZNE itself or conducted in cooperation with pharmaceutical companies. The DZNE’s clinical research also focuses in particular on rapidly translating findings obtained from fundamental research – such as on biomarkers – into clinical applications.
Clinical Research Platform - CRP
The multi-site studies of the DZNE are supported and coordinated by the
Clinical Research Platform ...
Databases of Clinical Research
Here you'll find the Databases of DZNE's Clinical Research.
Further information regarding the access requirements can be found here.
Support: In case of questions or issues, please contact the data management of the clinical research platform: data-management-kf(at)dzne.de.
Requirements: The request form for database access, the declaration of commitment and the regulations for use of Clinical Research databases, data and biomaterial samples of the DZNE can be downloaded here:
- Request for access to the databases of the clinical research (German only)
- Declaration of commitment by users of the clinical databases (German only)
- Regulations for use of Clinical Research databases, data and biomaterials of the DZNE
The request form can be sent either by mail or e-mail, the declaration of commitment by mail only to the rights management of the clinical research:
Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerativer Erkrankungen e.V.
Klinische Forschungsplattform - Rechtemanagement
Venusberg-Campus 1/99
D-53127 Bonn
zentrales-rechtemanagement-DB(at)dzne.de
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Clinical Data Search Tool - CDST
The Clinical Data Search Tool - CDST offers the opportunity to retrieve information on available data/materials from clinical research studies.
The CDST provides purely qualitative information (no number of available datasets) such as
- Forms (= examinations such as tests, scales, imaging, biomaterial, etc.) and
- Parameters (= Variables/Items),
for which results are available in the clinical research databases for a particular study.
For each study
- individual forms completely (> Formular drucken) as well as
- parameters from several forms (> ausgewählte Items: … > Auswahl drucken)
can be saved as a PDF file and, if necessary, attached to the Request for Data and Biomaterial.
Please note that this does not replace the request, it can serve only as a supplement.
Request for Data and Biomaterial / Biobank Report
The data/biomaterial request form and the regulations for use of Clinical Research databases, data and biomaterial can be downloaded here:
- Data/Biomaterial Request Form
- Regulations for use of Clinical Research databases, data and biomaterials of the DZNE
Please, send the request form to klinische-studien(at)dzne.de.
Please also use the Clinical Data Search Tool - CDST to specify your request or to clarify in advance which parameters/biomaterial samples/MRT sequences/QA information/analysis results are available for the individual studies.
- Report of DZNE's Clinical Research Biobank (German only)
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Central Contact Management / Content Responsibility
Central Contact Management
The central contact management is the point of contact for study participants (probands).
zentrale-kontaktstelle-kf(at)dzne.de
Content responsibility
The Clinical Research Platform is responsible for the contents of DZNE's Clinical Research website.
DECLARE - DZNE Clinical Research E-Learning Platform
Here you'll find DECLARE, the DZNE Clinical Research E-Learning Platform.
Requirements: The request form for access to the DZNE Clinical Research E-Learning Platform as well as the Terms of Use can be downloaded here:
Please send the request via e-mail to the Clinical Research Platform of the DZNE.
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