Learning and Memory Research in Psychiatry
Research group of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
The hippocampus plays a key role in human learning and memory processes. Alterations in the structure and function of the hippocampus are found both in older people and in people with psychiatric disorders. Accordingly, memory deficits of varying degrees are found in both these populations, with a high degree of interindividual variability. Mental disorders in old age, such as major depressive disorder, can further increase the risk for cognitive impairment. The boundaries between normal age-related memory impairment and early signs of pre-clinical dementia are often not easily identified by those affected - and by their primary caregivers.
In our research group we employ an interdisciplinary approach including methods from neuropsychology and functional imaging in combination with molecular, biological and biochemical biomarkers in order to improve our understanding of the neurobiological basis of cognitive impairment in the elderly. Of particular interest is the importance of genetic variations of synaptic proteins, which are also risk factors for mental illness and influence the immune system.
Overarching goals
The aim of the research group is to characterize limitations of cognitive functions in old age and especially in elderly people with mental disorders. In the long term, the aim is to develop therapeutic concepts to maintain and improve the cognitive performance and thus the autonomy and everyday competence of older people.
Selection of current projects
- Effects of chronic inflammatory processes on memory performance in elderly people
- Cognitive effects of genetic risk factors for mental disorders
- Neocortical mechanisms of hippocampal independent explicit memory formation
Scientific cooperation
External: There is a close interlocking with the AG Imaging Genetics at the Leibniz Institute of Neurobiology (LIN) in Magdeburg, both in terms of personnel and content. In addition, there is close cooperation with the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE; Prof. Dr. Emrah Düzel) and the Institute for Inflammation and Neurodegeneration at the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Prof. Dr. Ildiko R. Dunay).
Internal: Research Group "Advance Care Planning and Research on Care for the Elderly" (Project "Accompanying Research Consultation Service for Dementia")
Björn Schott heads two other research groups, the RG "Cognitive Gerontopsychiatry" at the DZNE in Göttingen and WG "Imaging Genetics" at the Leibniz Institute of Neurobiology (LIN) in Magdeburg - there is very close cooperation between these groups.
Contact
Research group leader
PD Dr. Dr. Björn Hendrik Schott