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Research Group for Alzheimer's Disease and Neurodegenerative Dementias

Affiliation and Location

University of Milan
Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico
Centro di Riferimento Centro per disturbi cognitivi e demenze (CDCD)
SSD Neurologia – Malattie Neurodegenerative

Contacts and References

Director of SSD Neurology – Neurodegenerative Diseases:
Dott. Andrea Arighi
Head of Laboratory:
Prof.ssa Daniela Galimberti, Dott.ssa Chiara Fenoglio
Contact Office: Marco Milianti segreteria.neurodeg@policlinico.mi.it 0255038508

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The group, active since 1995 at the “Centro Dino Ferrari” of the University of Milan and the IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, is a leading reference point for the molecular diagnosis and study of Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegenerative disorders such as Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration and Lewy Body Dementia. Thanks to an integrated approach between clinical practice and research, the laboratory explores the genetic, epigenetic, and biomolecular mechanisms of the various types of neurodegenerative diseases under study. It consistently collaborates with numerous Italian and international centers, participates in clinical trials for innovative drugs, and provides educational and training activities for young researchers and international students.

The laboratory performs advanced diagnostic tests on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma for the differential diagnosis of dementias. Analyses include the dosage of liquor biomarkers (Aβ1-42, Aβ1-40, total tau, P-tau181) and plasma biomarkers (light chain Neurofilaments, P-tau217) using automated technologies. For familial cases, genetic analysis of the clinical exome is performed via NGS, with screening of over 5,000 genes for the determination of causative mutations. Diagnostic activity is closely linked to translational research and supports patient selection for clinical and genetic studies.

Diagnostic analyses initiate targeted research paths aimed at better understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative pathologies.

Research focuses on the identification of innovative biomarkers for early diagnosis and the progression of dementias. In particular, neuronal and glial extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from plasma are studied, with a focus on microRNA, protein, and inflammatory profiles. Active projects include multi-omic analysis of EV content and inflammatory profiling in patients with mutations in GRN, MAPT, and C9ORF72. The laboratory also investigates the role of non-coding RNAs and rare genetic variants through advanced sequencing techniques. Furthermore, the group conducts advanced studies using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and nuclear medicine (PET and SPECT) to deepen the understanding of the disease.

The laboratory is involved in European and international projects, contributing to precision medicine for neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, clinical trials for patients with these pathologies are currently active.