Specialization
Neurology, especially the dementias
Focus of research
The research of Van Gool’s group focuses on impairments of cognition, affect and behaviour in brain diseases. Two major research lines focus on (A) the role of neuroinflammation in delirium, and (B) the role of vascular factors in causing neuropsychiatric abnormalities in elderly. This research seeks to combine studies in experimental animals with observational studies and clinical trials in patients.
The research line delirium in systemic inflammation addresses the interaction between the cholinergic system and activity of microglia in systemic infection. This project includes animal experiments, in vitro studies, neuropathological observations and a prospective cohort study of patients treated with a cholinesterase inhibitor.
The research line prevention of dementia includes a long-term project investigating the effects of intensive vascular care in 3533 older persons. During 6-8 years of follow-up various forms of functional impairment will be studies over time in relation to baseline characteristics, genetic markers and changes in cardiovascular risk profile in the course of time.
Both research lines share the common goal of preventing functional decline as a consequence of frequently occurring brain diseases in the elderly.