Our goals

NeuroAge researchers will combine mechanistic studies using recombinant proteins, stem cells and transgenic animals with bold systems biology approaches based on cutting edge neuroimaging and high throughput DNA sequencing. Our own ground-breaking studies indicate that mitochondrial dysfunction, disorders of axonal transport & protein aggregation and immune activated calcium dysregulation are the key lines of investigation as they address key bottlenecks in our understanding. A centre of excellence will allow us to cross interrogate models and integrate mechanistic and diagnostic studies and this will impact clinical activity in terms of new drugs and new diagnostic algorithms. To move from the laboratory to the bedside, we will generate well characterised cohorts of patients and collect a novel cohort of aged, cognitively intact super-controls who by their longevity and functional state will inform us about age-related processes that drive neurodegeneration. Lastly, we will complete the translational circle by focussing on end-of-life and palliative care to increase social participation, dignity and quality of life of patients and their families.

NeuroAGE will bring together leading researchers at the University of Bergen, Kings College, London and Helse Bergen in a unique multidisciplinary centre that will simultaneously investigate disease mechanisms, identify new biomarkers and focus on drug development and patient care. Capacity strengthening, education, training and international collaboration are cross-cutting activities intended to supplement our approach and we will use public seminars and meetings to engage the public in the debate surrounding age related disease and care.