IRCCS Istituto di ricerche farmacologiche Mario Negri

The Neuroscience Department at the IRCCS – Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri conducts molecular, traslational, clinical and epidemiologic research. These studies are traditionally dedicated to establishing experimental models for research into the pathogenic mechanisms and possible treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer, Parkinson, prion diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Other topics investigated include neurological diseases such as epilepsy and psychiatric disorders such as depression.

Recent projects developed and consolidated in the Department include research into stroke, cranial and spinal trauma, Huntington chorea, Rett syndrome, Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome, neurological harm due to substances of abuse, and monitoring their consumption. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neuromuscular dysfunction are other research topics. Some of these are investigated in epidemiological studies and clinical trials to assess the efficacy of pharmacological treatments.

One sector in the Department deals entirely with elderly people, with cohort studies related to dementia, and specific studies on polytherapy in hospitals.

The Neuroscience Department has access to the very latest instruments for analysis of animal models, such as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR), and different confocal microscopes (two-photon, super-resolution, etc.) which enable researchers to take part in Italian and international projects, with a definite translational focus.

Staff with clinical qualifications enable us to establish the limits and the opportunities offered by experimental models, while always keeping an eye on the overall pathological picture for which each model is designed. The aim is to integrate our knowledge with therapy and clinical practice on the complex themes of nervous system diseases – most of which still await answers.