Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Aging (100-plus Study)

Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC.

Our research

An estimated 60-80% of the chance to develop Alzheimer’s disease depends on genetic factors, and similar percentages apply to other neurodegenerative diseases. Thousands of genetic risk factors are involved: some occur only very rarely in the population, others are more common. Each individual is uniquely vulnerable for developing diseases, which depends on the unique constellation of disease associated genetic variants they inherited from their parents. 

Therefore, it is important to know which genetic factors are involved: (1) they point towards the molecular processes underlying the disease, necessary to design accurate treatment strategies. (2) they can be used to predict the individual vulnerability for diseases, far before the onset of symptoms. In the future, when treatment options become available, predicting who is at risk before the onset of symptoms will allow timely and accurate treatment. 

Unfortunately, only a fraction of disease associated genetic elements is currently known. To identify novel genetic elements, our group compares the genetic constellations of those affected by neurodegenerative diseases with cognitively healthy individuals. Next to identifying risk-increasing genetic variants, our group takes a unique approach: we aim to identify genetic elements that protect against neurodegenerative diseases. 

We conceived the 100-plus Study: an on-going prospective cohort study of centenarians who self-reported to be cognitively healthy, their first-degree family members and their respective partners. By investigating the genetic constellations and biomaterials of those who escaped disease until extreme ages, we aim to learn how cognitive decline can be avoided. 

Ultimately we hope that our findings will contribute in helping others achieve the same: reaching extreme ages without dementia. Read more about the 100-plus Study.

In our aim to translate our scientific findings directly to the clinic, our research section forms the bridge between the department of Human Genetics and the Alzheimer Center Amsterdam.   

Dr. Henne Holstege, section leader & PI of the 100-plus Study, amidst several centenarians at the 100-plus day 2019. To read an interview with Dr. Henne Holstege click here.

The team

About our centenarians

0

Centenarians participated

0 %

Women

0

Age of oldest living participant

0

Age of oldest participant ever

0

Median age at inclusion

0 %

Lives independently

0

Brain donations

0

Partners participated

0

Siblings participated

0

Partners of siblings participated

0

Children participated

0

Partners of children participated

Tweets by

Join the lab

Currently, there are no open positions. Interested in an internship? Please mail w.l.m.stoker@amsterdamumc.nl for possiblities.

Announcements

Agenda

20 November, 2023
ABOARD midterm

ABOARD midterm meeting

 

28 November, 2023
GENE Amsterdam day 2023

GENE Amsterdam Annual Day

An annual day with research talks from different research groups, flash talks by junior researchers, an exciting keynote lecture, and discussion groups.  

30 November, 2023
Science Meeting Human Genetics

'‘A New Generation of Human Genetics Researchers’

An update meeting from the Human Genetics department. The day includes rapid fire talks and interactive poster sessions
by our PhD Students and Postdocs.

30 November, 2023
Dutch Protein Aggregation Network (DPAN)

DPAN

This meeting brings together scientists working in the Netherlands on research into protein aggregation, in particular in context of human diseases. The symposium includes an array of presentations from researchers in our field, including a keynote presentation by Prof. Harm Kampinga.

8 December, 2023
Amsterdam Neuroscience Annual Meeting 2023

The Annual Meeting 2023 will be a day full of exciting lectures, engaging story slam presentations, a vibrant poster market, and plenty of moments to connect with fellow neuroresearchers. .

Alzheimer_Nederland
NWO-logo-RGB