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1. Glossary

Lewy body dementia

A neurodegenerative disease that resembles Alzheimer's disease, but also Parkinson's disease in its symptoms. The Lewy bodies that give the disease its name are caused by protein deposits in the nerve cells of the cerebral cortex and brain stem, which impair the function of the corresponding neurons. In addition to cognitive impairment, Lewy body dementia often causes hallucinations or depression, as well as changes in mobility similar to those seen in Parkinson's disease.

1. Basics
2. Communication of Cells

Neurotransmitters: Messenger Molecules in the Brain

“Happy hormone” & Co.: Without neurotransmitters, nerve cells would not be able to communicate.

05.08.2025

1. Page

The Topic Partners

27.02.2024

1. News from the Institutes

How Stress Disrupts the Brain’s Navigational System

Persons under stress may have a harder time spatially orienting themselves. Researchers in Bochum have discovered why.

13.03.2026

1. Diseases
2. Alzheimer's disease

The Challenge of Caring for Dementia Patients

More and more people are suffering from dementia – a challenge for hospitals.

11.01.2012

1. Glossary

Neurofibrils

Neurofibrils are fine fibrous structures in nerve cells that consist mainly of neurofilaments (a form of intermediate filaments) and other components of the cytoskeleton. They run in bundles through the cell body and the extensions of neurons and contribute significantly to the stabilization and shaping of the nerve cell. They appear as characteristic features of neurons even in the early embryo. Alzheimer's disease causes profound changes in cytoskeletal structures: the protein tau, which normally stabilizes microtubules, becomes excessively phosphorylated, detaches from the microtubules, and aggregates to form the typical neurofibrillary tangles (fibrillary bundles). These are a central pathological feature of the disease.

1. Topic

Basic Research

Basic research is aimless. But eminently important.

1. News from the Institutes

Interaction between interneurons stabilizes gamma oscillations in a brain

PV+ cells act as the “conductors” of visually induced gamma oscillatory rhythm

26.05.2025

1. Glossary

Tau protein

Tau proteins are particularly prevalent in the central nervous system. Their function is to stabilize microtubules – the structures that give cells their shape and support. Under certain circumstances, enzymes attach too many phosphate groups to tau proteins. As a result, the proteins are no longer broken down properly and form toxic aggregates within the neurons. Alongside senile plaques, aggregated tau proteins are considered a classic hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

1. Topic

The Glymphatic System

The brain also produces waste. And the brain also has a waste disposal system.