Center for Brain Health
We bring together clinical and scientific expertise on brain disorders—from prevention through diagnosis and treatment to long-term follow-up care. Our goal is to provide a central point of reference and ensure the rapid translation of new findings into clinical practice.
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A center of the University Medical Center Magdeburg—interdisciplinary, evidence-based, and connected through national and international networks.
Note: This page is currently under construction. Content regarding services, projects, and studies is being added on an ongoing basis. For inquiries, please use the contact section.
Why a Center for Brain Health?
The brain is the most complex organ in our body—its health is the foundation for quality of life and active participation well into old age. With the founding of the “Center for Brain Health,” Magdeburg University Medical Center is bringing together its decades of expertise in clinical practice and cutting-edge international research.
This is because brain and mental health disorders are increasing significantly in the wake of demographic change. Early detection, targeted therapies, and new treatment approaches (e.g., antibody therapies) open up opportunities to influence disease progression and maintain quality of life. The Center brings together structures developed over decades and creates a central point of contact—serving as a guide in a comprehensive field.
What We Offer
Prevention, diagnostics, therapy, and research—all under one roof.
- Guidance and coordinated pathways: a central hub that better integrates care.
- Interdisciplinary expertise: joint assessment and coordinated treatment across disciplinary boundaries.
- Rapid translation: research findings are systematically translated into new therapies and care approaches.
- Focus: prevention, resilience, and quality of life in an aging society.
Who is the Center for?
For patients & family members
We provide holistic support for people with neurological, neurodegenerative, and mental health conditions—from initial orientation through to follow-up care. The goal is to provide clear access to appropriate points of contact and coordinated treatment pathways.
For referring physicians & treating physicians
We assist with the interdisciplinary assessment of complex cases and provide clear channels of communication. The Center strengthens coordinated care and promotes standardized, guideline-based treatment pathways.
For Research, Teaching & Partners
We offer a networked environment spanning basic research, clinical trials, new therapies, spin-offs, and industry collaborations—with the goal of bringing innovations into practice more quickly.
Medical and Scientific Focus Areas
Focus Areas at a Glance:
- Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)
- Stroke and neurovascular diseases
- Mental health disorders
- Innovative imaging and neuroradiological procedures
- Interdisciplinary diagnostic and treatment pathways
- Individualized follow-up care and quality of life
These areas of focus will be progressively expanded to include specific services, clinic hours, and points of contact.
Regional Strength & Networks
Magdeburg is one of Europe’s leading centers for neuroscience. Over more than 30 years, an internationally recognized research and care landscape has emerged—featuring the largest memory clinic in Saxony-Anhalt and connections to European dementia and brain health networks.
The Collaborative Research Center SFB 1436 “Neural Resources of Cognition” plays a central role: It investigates how the brain remains functional despite aging processes and how cognitive abilities can be maintained or strengthened.
Collaborations (selected list):
- CBBS (Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, OVGU)
- DZNE (German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases)
- LIN (Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology)
- DZPG (German Center for Mental Health)
- International: University of Iowa, Allen Institute for Brain Science
High-Tech & Transfer to Clinical Practice
State-of-the-art key technologies strengthen research and clinical application:
- High-resolution 7-Tesla MRI system and a world-leading 7-Tesla connectome
- PET-MRI for imaging molecular processes in the brain
- State-of-the-art microscopy and spatial transcriptomics for precise analysis of gene activity
The close integration of basic research, translation, and clinical practice ensures rapid benefits for patient care. The site is also a leader in Germany in research on so-called “super-agers.” Through the Middle Elbe Research Platform, new prevention and intervention approaches are being tested in collaboration with primary care physicians. Spin-offs further accelerate the transfer into practice.
Prospects & Further Development
The center is undergoing continuous development—with the goal of integrating care and research even more closely. New collaborations, such as with the emerging Heart Center, are also intended to integrate the connection between heart and brain health more strongly into clinical practice in the future.