The event began with a speech by our speaker, Prof Thomas Misgeld, who explained how SyNergy research goes beyond traditional boundaries of neurological diseases and is based on interdisciplinary collaborations. Dr Lisa Ann Gerdes started her presentation by sharing the results of her MS TWIN study with identical twins giving valuable insights in the course of Multiple Sclerosis. Prof Lena Burbulla then presented her research and very recent progress on Parkinson's disease. After a short coffee break, Prof Christian Haass addressed the question: "Will we ever cure Alzheimer’s?" This was followed by a presentation by Prof Martin Dichgans on stroke and the latest research by Prof Anna-Sophia Wahl on the remarkable self-healing abilities of the brain after damage. Graphic recorder Beate Kopp visually summarized the event's key messages (see below).
History of Medicine: Brain samples from the first Alzheimer’s Patient
During the breaks, participants had the unique opportunity to view original brain samples from the very first Alzheimer’s patient, Auguste Deter, under a microscope. Alois Alzheimer, her treating physician, who prepared these samples, first reported on her case in 1906 at the 37th meeting of the Southwest German Society of Psychiatrists. These historic samples have been hidden in the archives for a long time and were seldom exhibited to the public.
Collaboration with Partners
Visitors could learn more about our research topics and structures, such as our Technology Hubs, through posters and information materials and chat with representatives of clinical and patient organizations. Including the Outpatient Clinic of the Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), the Munich Alzheimer Association (Alzheimer Gesellschaft München), and the MS Mentoring Program (MS Patenprogramm).
Keeping it short and sweet: research in 400 seconds
Five of our young investigators presented their research in as little as 400 seconds in the afternoon. Lis de Weerd from the lab of Prof Haass explained how we could use the body’s own immune system to fight Alzheimer’s disease by focusing on strengthening the microglia. Carolin Meyer from Prof Herms’ lab shared her research project on the relationship between smell dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease – and how smell disorder could be an early warning signal of Alzheimer’s disease. Theresa Niedermeier, also from the Herms lab, explained the role of mitochondria and its dysfunction in Alzheimer. The research of Aida Cardona-Alberich from Prof Burbulla’s lab is about RNA and how it functions as a blueprint for healthy neurons by giving correct instructions for protein production. Finally, Felix Waitzmann from Prof Julijana Gjorgjieva’s lab discussed neuronal representations of language after a stroke. All presentations were accompanied by lively examples and metaphors, helping the audience to better understand the pioneering research.
The event concluded with a question round, allowing all participants to ask the scientists their final questions.
