Heart failure and Alzheimer's dementia occur together so frequently that this is unlikely to be a coincidence. Both age-associated diseases share common risk factors, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. We therefore hypothesize that both diseases share common pathophysiological mechanisms that we aim to unravel.

Alzheimer's dementia is known to be characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β peptides in the form of so-called extracellular plaques in the brain. We and other researchers have also demonstrated corresponding protein deposits in the heart.

Our research aims, on the one hand, to identify the origin of these protein deposits and, on the other hand, to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and the interactions between cardiac stress and increased protein deposition in the heart and brain.

To achieve this, we have access to cell culture and mouse models, as well as patient samples and clinical data. Using a broad range of methods, we aim to find answers to our research questions and apply these findings for the benefit of patients.