Information for patients and relatives

Neurodegenerative diseases are chronic brain diseases that cause progressive disorders of certain brain functions. In Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal dementia, for example, memory or speech are affected. In Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or ataxias, motor problems are the main symptoms. The situation is similar for chronic sequelae of stroke, chronic cerebral circulatory disorders and other diseases.

The Aims of Clinical Research

The long-term goal of clinical research at the DZNE is to develop new and effective therapies and diagnostic markers for neurodegenerative diseases. In close collaboration with the university hospitals at the DZNE sites, clinical studies will provide the basis for new methods of early diagnosis and therapy by:

• the application of findings from fundamental research in clinical studies to improve treatment for people with neurodegenerative diseases,
• the improvement of pre- and early symptomatic diagnostics as a necessary prerequisite for the successful development of novel therapies,
• the encouragement of studies on innovative medicinal and non-pharmacological interventions.

To this end, the DZNE not only conducts local studies at the individual sites. Due to its organizational structure, it is possible for subjects to be examined at all participating DZNE sites in so-called multicenter studies, of course according to uniform standards. In doing so, the DZNE cooperates with local university hospitals.