Prof. Dr. Dr. Cristina Granziera
Universitätsspital Basel (USB)
A Modern Concept in Neurology: Building integrated Care in Neurodegeneration.
Report by Cristina Granziera:
Neurodegenerative diseases do not follow simple rules. They are complex. Heterogeneous. Constantly evolving.
Our response as neurologists must evolve just as decisively. At the Neurodegeneration Unit of the Clinic for Neurology, @Universitätsspital Basel, we are establishing an integrated model of care, one that brings together clinical expertise, advanced diagnostics, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a coordinated framework.
Because when the diagnosis is complex, the system around it must be clear.
What does that look like in practice?
· It starts with depth.
Every patient undergoes a detailed and structured assessment—clinical phenotyping, specialized neuropsychological testing, advanced MRI imaging, fluid biomarkers from CSF and blood, and nuclear medicine imaging when indicated. These are not isolated tests, but integrated into a coherent diagnostic process
· It continues with precision.
Neurodegeneration is not one specific disease but rather a spectrum, from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's disease to ALS, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Differentiating accurately is not an academic detail; it defines prognosis, therapy, and patient counseling.
· And it culminates in personalization.
From optimized symptomatic management to disease-modifying strategies — including recently approved anti-amyloid therapies, gene-targeted treatments, deep brain stimulation, and access to innovative clinical trials every decision is grounded in biomarker-supported diagnosis, interdisciplinary expertise, and careful longitudinal follow-up.
Our strength lies not only in academic excellence, but in orchestration.
Neurology, radiology, nuclear medicine, neuropsychology, psychosomatic, psychiatry and research teams working as one.
Our answer is structure, innovation, and precision delivered within one coordinated process, which will ultimately improve diagnostic clarity, enable personalized care, and prepare for the next generation of therapies.
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