Digitizing Brain Data for Health and Disease (dBRAIN)

About the project
The project goal is to improve the use of patient data as a base for reliable diagnoses, prognoses and more effective treatment of brain diseases. These diseases cause several changes in the brain structure and dynamics: on a molecular level and on the brain as a whole. Data analysis and computational modelling of the changes in the brain (genetic, chemical, morphological or electrophysiological) provides the means to detect which changes are causal and which are just correlating to the condition of the disease – a large challenge today. The project focuses on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, the two most common neurodegenerative diseases at present.

Background
With increased longevity, the number of patients with brain-related diseases will grow. In 2030, mental illness is estimated to be the main imposition on health care. New advances in data analysis and computational modelling of the brain can use the potential of patient data to prevent and treat brain diseases.

Cross-disciplinary collaboration
The research team represents the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (CBH) and the School of Engineering Sciences (SCI).