Parkinson and Alzheimer are neurodegenerative diseases with a considerable socio-economic burden. The symptoms of both diseases are well known although they may differ between individuals. As to the cause however, researchers so far have not been able to find a conclusive answer.  

This project aims to identify the genes and proteins that are involved in the development of the diseases. By comparing human brain material and cerebrospinal fluid of healthy and diseased individuals, the researchers in this project have gathered knowledge about aberrant genes and molecules in diseased individuals. The next step is to determine the exact function of these genes and molecules in cells.

This knowledge will increase our understanding of the disease processes of both diseases on a genetic and molecular level. Eventually this may lead to the development of regenerative medication for Parkinson and Alzheimer disease.  

Fast facts
Full title: Parkinson and Alzheimer disease: from dysregulated human brain targets towards novel therapeutics
Start date: December 2007
End date: December 2012
Principal investigator: Joost Verhaagen
Project size: 16 FTE’s
Partners: Abbott, DNage BV, EMC, LUMC, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, UMCU, UU, VU Amsterdam VUMC

Background

Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are both chronic and progressive disorders.

Parkinson’s is a disorder of the central nervous system and affects  movement. Patients experience muscle rigidity, tremor, slowing and/or loss of physical movement and postural abnormalities. Often speech is also affected.

The disorder is mostly diagnosed as being idiopathic, meaning that there is no known cause. In rare cases it is known to have genetic origins, or is a direct result of previous medication. The disease develops mainly in people over 50 and has an incidence rate of approximately 0.4%. 

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a loss of cognitive ability. It is mostly diagnosed in people over 65 years of age. Every five years after the age of 65 the risk of acquiring the disease approximately doubles. The development of the disease is specific to each individual but there are many common symptoms. In an early stage these include inability to acquire new memories, in a more advanced stage confusion, mood swings, language breakdowns, irritability and aggression may appear.

After diagnosis the life expectancy is approximately 7 years. Currently there is no consensus on the cause, nor the progression, of the disease, although there are several competing hypotheses.