Neurodegenerative Science
Overview
Neurodegenerative diseases are a growing global health concern, affecting more than 57 million people worldwide. Dementia and Parkinson’s disease, the two most common types of neurodegeneration, together account for more than 70% of cases.
VAI scientists study the complex factors that contribute to neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, including genetics, epigenetics, aging, inflammation, the structure of the brain, and the roles of the gut and the immune system.
By leveraging discoveries made in VAI’s labs and collaborating with researchers around the world, we are working to translate breakthroughs into life-changing new treatments for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and related dementias, ALS, and depression.
West Michigan Neurodegenerative Diseases (MiND) Program
Van Andel Institute’s West Michigan Neurodegenerative Diseases (MiND) Program is a collaborative effort to identify genetic and epigenetic changes that may play roles in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and dementias. Our goal? To move the needle in our understanding of these diseases, power new discoveries and leverage our findings to inform groundbreaking treatment strategies.
Explore MiND Program
Our Faculty
Darren Moore, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science; Director, MiND Program; Jay Van Andel Endowed Chair in Parkinson’s Disease Research
Molecular Neurodegeneration
Lena Brundin, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science
Behavioral Medicine
Gerhard (Gerry) Coetzee, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Post-GWAS Functionality
Michael Henderson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science; Director, VAI Brain Bank
Protein Pathologies and Genetic Risk in Neurodegeneration
Melissa Hoyer, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science
Neuronal Organelle Quality Control and Health
Laurent Roybon, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science; Director, MiND iPSC Platform
Patient-Based Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Bang-An Wang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science
Epigenetic Regulation and Neurodegeneration
Qiang Zhu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science
Genetics, Epigenetics and Therapeutic Innovation in Neurodegenerative Diseases
