Holstege Lab

Brain #100 for the CEN-Brain Age Continuum

www_holstegelab — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:53:48 +0000

Last week brain number 100 has been analyzed in Leuven for the CEN-Brain Age Continuum. An important milestone in our research into brain aging, which we are proud of.

Het bericht Brain #100 for the CEN-Brain Age Continuum verscheen eerst op Holstege Lab.

TN2 Symposium 2026

www_holstegelab — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:14:40 +0000

On April 10th (09:05 – 09:40 AM), Henne Holstege will deliver a keynote at the TN2 Symposium on Pathways to Cognitive Resilience in Extreme Longevity. In this lecture, she will take us through her research on the factors that contribute to maintaining cognitive health at very old ages.

TN2 brings together researchers from both basic science and clinical practice within Translational Neuroscience, connecting experts from the Netherlands with international colleagues.

In addition to Henne Holstege’s lecture, Dr. Carlos Fitzsimmons and Dr. Evgenia Salta will also give presentations. They will speak, respectively, on the relationship between brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases, and on single-cell molecular mapping of human adult hippocampal neurogenesis in Alzheimer’s disease and resilience.

You can still register by clicking the link below and filling out the form to attend this presentation at the RDC-Adore building. Registration Form TN2 Symposium – April 10, 2026https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=GqvfaLsRxky-tSjXVphPtqNl8-YVR5tEmFpNxzb10g9UN0dWTUdFOFZKN0VKMVZLSThEVTFRVlBESS4u&route=shorturl

Het bericht TN2 Symposium 2026 verscheen eerst op Holstege Lab.

ADPD 2026 – Copenhagen

www_holstegelab — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:44:32 +0000

AD/PD™ 2026 – Copenhagen

How do some people reach 100 years old with their cognition intact? Our researchers will share new insights at the AD/PD™ 2026 Conference in Copenhagen this week.

Several members of our team will be presenting their latest research. If you’re attending the conference, we would love to connect!

📍 Friday, 20 March 2026 – Hall A2 – 18:40

🧠 Symposium: Cognitively Healthy Centenarians: How Do They Do It?

Presentations:

• Henne Holstege – Neuropathology in cognitively healthy centenarians: How did age affect their brain?

• Yaran Zhang – Peripheral epigenetic aging predicts survival independent of Alzheimer’s neuropathology and cognition in centenarians

• Marc Hulsman – Brains from cognitively healthy centenarians resisted accumulation of AD pathology and exhibit lower APOE, early proteasome response, and maintained β-oxidation

Additional presentations:

📍 Tuesday, 17 March 2026 – Hall A3 / Auditorium 10+11 – 08:30

🧬Daniel Alvarez Sirvent🧬– HLA-DRB115:01 associates with increased microglial activation in the aging brain, linking HLA genetic variation to Alzheimer’s neuropathology*

📍 Wednesday, 18 March 2026 – Hall A3 / Auditorium 10+11 – 17:00

🧬Niccoló Tesi🧬– Structural variants shape genetic risk haplotypes in Alzheimer’s disease

📍 Friday, 20 March 2026 – Auditorium 12 – 13:50

🧬Alex Salazar 🧬– Novel haplotypes in TMEM106B paradoxically modulate tau pathology

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to meet during the conference.

Het bericht ADPD 2026 – Copenhagen verscheen eerst op Holstege Lab.

Lunch & Learn by Janna and Joan

www_holstegelab — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:19:57 +0000

During the Lunch & Learn session in October our colleagues Janna and Joan discussed the role of heredity in dementia. Through interactive statements and clear explanations, they addressed common questions and misconceptions. The session took place in the Colloquium in the Alzheimer Center Amsterdam.

Heredity usually plays a role in dementia through genetic risk factors rather than a single genetic cause. A genetic predisposition can increase the risk of developing dementia, but it does not provide certainty. Lifestyle and environmental factors remain important and can influence risk, even in people with increased genetic susceptibility. Inherited forms of dementia that occur at a young age are rare.

The session also highlighted the DemenTREE research project, in which Alzheimer Center Amsterdam studies genetic and biological factors in young-onset dementia to improve diagnosis, risk prediction, and future treatment options.

The key takeaway: genes do not determine everything. Lifestyle continues to play a crucial role. We are looking forward to all the insights from this research.

Het bericht Lunch & Learn by Janna and Joan verscheen eerst op Holstege Lab.

100-plus day 2025

www_holstegelab — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:03:33 +0000

On the 3rd of October we had the pleasure of hosting the yearly 100-plus day at Van der Valk Almere. Sponsored by Aegon in support of Alzheimer’s research. Our special guests, the centenarians of the study, enjoyed a day full of joy!

Lunch featured a delicious spread of Dutch favorites, followed by a performance from Anne van Egmond. After the entertainment we had a drink and a bitterbal, during the “borreluurtje”. The day ended with catching up with peers. We had a wonderful day and looking forward to next years – 10th edition!

Het bericht 100-plus day 2025 verscheen eerst op Holstege Lab.

AD/PD 2025

www_holstegelab — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 08:33:34 +0000

from the 1st of April till the 5th of April 2025, AP/DP 2025 took place in Vienna. The AD/PD conference has become the main event of the year in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, attracting leading medical and scientific professionals from around the world. Seven researchers from our group also joined the conference. With several talks, posters and a virtual oral we were well represented.

Het bericht AD/PD 2025 verscheen eerst op Holstege Lab.

RDC ADORE

www_holstegelab — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 09:13:53 +0000

October 1, 2024 was a special day for Amsterdam UMC: after a construction period of about 2.5 years, the Research & Diagnostics Center ADORE was officially completed at
the VUmc location. In this research center, top scientists will soon work together on the development of new treatments against cancer and brain diseases, which is unique in Europe. The diagnostic laboratories of Human Genetics and Pathology will also be housed here.

We are thrilled to move as well to this building. From the beginning of 2025 we are located at the fourth floor in the ADORE building.

With a total area of approximately 22,800 m², the Research & Diagnostics Center
ADORE houses state-of-the-art laboratories and office spaces. The building is connected to the Amsterdam UMC Imaging Center by a large glass atrium, making it easy for people to meet each other and share knowledge. From Van der Boechorststraat, the atrium is the main entrance for both the ADORE Research & Diagnostics Center and the Amsterdam UMC Imaging Center. Patients for the Amsterdam UMC Imaging Center can also enter via this entrance. The special, patchwork-like tiled floor in the atrium deserves an honorable mention.

From November until mid-2025, researchers from Amsterdam UMC will move into the new research building. The official opening of the Research & Diagnostics Center ADORE
is planned after the latest move.

Het bericht RDC ADORE verscheen eerst op Holstege Lab.

Henne joins the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research as new PI

www_holstegelab — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:56:37 +0000

On November 1, 2024, Henne Holstege was appointed as a Principal Investigator at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research. While taking on this new role, she will remain actively involved with Amsterdam UMC, continuing her research on the genetics of neurodegenerative diseases and healthy aging.

Henne has dedicated her career to understanding the genetic mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive resilience in the oldest old. Her groundbreaking research on cognitively healthy centenarians has provided key insights into the biological factors that protect against age-related cognitive decline, potentially paving the way for new preventive strategies against Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Her fascination with healthy aging was sparked by the exceptional brain of Hendrikje van Andel-Schipper, who passed away at 115 as the oldest Dutch person ever recorded. Despite her advanced age, her brain showed characteristics more typical of a 60-year-old. This discovery to investigate the genetic factors that contribute to healthy cognitive aging.

At Amsterdam UMC, she established a research section focused on identifying genetic and genomic factors involved in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s. She also built one of the world’s largest cohorts of cognitively healthy centenarians, providing a valuable resource for studying resilience to dementia.

In her new position at VIB-KU Leuven, Dr. Holstege will further explore the molecular mechanisms of aging while maintaining her collaboration with Amsterdam UMC. By uncovering why some individuals remain dementia-free, she aims to identify protective factors and translate these findings into therapies that can benefit a broader population. Her dual affiliation strengthens international collaboration and innovation in the field of neurodegenerative disease research, fostering new insights into aging and cognitive health.

Het bericht Henne joins the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research as new PI verscheen eerst op Holstege Lab.

100-plus day 2024

www_holstegelab — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 13:35:58 +0000

At Van der Valk Almere, we had the pleasure of hosting 32 centenarians for their annual gathering in the Netherlands, sponsored by Aegon in support of Alzheimer’s research. These remarkable individuals, all aged 100+, arrived with loved ones by their side, filling the room with warmth and joy. Nanne Bos, Chief Communications Officer at Aegon, opened the day, saying, “You are the living proof of a life well-lived.”

Lunch featured a delicious spread of Dutch favorites, followed by a surprise performance from entertainer Karin Bloemen. Dressed in a striking red gown, she serenaded the crowd with nostalgic tunes and a special song written just for them.

After the entertainment, research director Henne Holstege from Amsterdam UMC shared updates on the 100-plus Study. This longitudinal research project explores how centenarians maintain cognitive health. The 482 participants, including 32 from the event, have provided invaluable data, and the study continues to expand, with 537 family members also involved.

The day ended with a conversation about historical objects. Participants shared memories of items like a coffee grinder and a church collection box from WWII, explaining how they were used. With laughter, drinks, and shared memories, everyone left hoping to return next year.

Het bericht 100-plus day 2024 verscheen eerst op Holstege Lab.

AAIC 2024

www_holstegelab — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 11:48:09 +0000

On Monday, July 29, Dr. Henne Holstege delivered her plenary talk at AAIC 2024 on the fascinating topic of cognitive health in centenarians and the genomic pathways involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Henne, a leading researcher at Amsterdam UMC, shared her insights into why some people live beyond 100 years while maintaining their cognitive abilities, whereas others develop conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

In her talk, Henne discussed the unique genetic factors that contribute to this exceptional longevity. She demonstrated how her findings could enhance our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and potentially pave the way for new strategies in prevention and treatment. It was an absolute honor to give this plenary talk at AAIC 2024 in Philidelphia.

Het bericht AAIC 2024 verscheen eerst op Holstege Lab.