Parties in the dementia field have joined forces within the Dementia Research Program. ZonMw is awarding four multidisciplinary research consortia, of which two are led by researchers of Amsterdam Neuroscience. The consortia seek answers to questions such as: how can we prevent dementia and how can we improve the quality of life for people with dementia? The two consortia highlighted in this article will start before the end of the year.

Researchers are working closely together to achieve a breakthrough in the fight against dementia and the care for people with dementia. They do this, among other things, within the ten-year Dementia Research Program (OPD) of ZonMw. In these consortia, researchers are partnering with care providers, educational institutes, experts by experience, knowledge institutes and the business community.

Consortium Fundamental Research

Professor dr. Guus Smit, Director of Amsterdam Neuroscience and Scientific Director of Center of Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, has been awarded by ZonMW. The Consortium Fundamental Research focuses on which disease mechanisms underlie the development and course of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), fronto-temporal dementia (FTD), and vascular dementia. Thanks to collaboration, insight is gained more quickly into better diagnosis and treatment, and into prevention and therapy.

Consortium Diagnostics (and prognostics)

Professor dr. Wiesje van der Flier, Scientific Director of Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, has been awarded by ZonMW for the research Consortium Diagnostics (and prognostics). This consortium study how the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia can be improved. By improvement, the researchers mean: Timely, Accurate, and Personalized (TAP).

High ambitions

The multidisciplinary collaboration is an assignment for the dementia field of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Minister Conny Helder: 'Our ultimate goal is to eradicate dementia. That is why we will be investing heavily in this research program in the coming years. If we want to achieve our goals, collaboration between different research fields, healthcare institutions, the business community, social organizations and governments is essential. Only together can we make a difference.”