Project Aim(s): To determine the role of neuroinflammation in driving neurodegeneration.

Project Aim(s): 

The project has various complementary aims: (a) research on normal ageing and Alzheimer's disease using MRI-based methods, (b) develop training programmes in neuroimaging in dementia, (c) develop greater understanding of the use of neuroimaging by clinicians for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, (d) technology transfer between centres.

Project Aim(s): The objective is the assessment of the impact of alterations of white matter tract integrity on effective connectivity in the neural network underpinning working memory.  Using brain imaging data it will examine the associations between brain structure and function in young and older healthy participants and how normal ageing alters the relationship between structure and function.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal neuro-degenerative disorder of adults, typically having rapid progression and involving both motor and cognitive function. ALS exhibits considerable heterogeneity of both symptom profile and progression. Nevertheless, median survival is typically under three years from disease onset. ALS is the most common motor neurone disease in adults, with an incidence of 2 to 3 per 100,000 in Europe.

To determine the evidence for diet modification - Specifically, thickening fluids to prevent aspiration in people with dementia and swallowing difficulties.

Project Aim(s): To validate a cognitive communication assessment for people with dementia.

Project Aim(s): To examine how Ataxin-2 and Stress_Granule Modulatory Proteins function in ALS/FTD.

Project Aim(s): Development of optimally informative biomarkers for ALS, and establishment of stakeholder agreement regarding their use. This will be achieved by defining, validating and harmonizing optimal methodologies that can be reliably implemented within a pan-European framework program.