Project description
Retinal parameters as biomarkers of cognitive dysfunction in type 2 diabetes
Recent studies indicate that type 2 diabetes is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Currently, there are no phenotypic biomarkers to identify diabetes patients at risk of developing dementia. Since the retina is ontogenically a brain-derived tissue, the EU-funded RECOGNISED project proposes evaluation of the retina as ontogenically a brain-derived tissue and, as such, a potential biomarker to identify patients at higher risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia. The multidisciplinary consortium from 15 European institutions will investigate the common mechanisms involved in retinal pathogenesis and cognitive impairment in cases of type 2 diabetes, and will use the retina as a tool to identify patients with higher risk of developing cognitive decline or dementia. The ultimate goal of the project is to reduce the societal and economic burden associated with diabetes-related cognitive impairment.
Objective
In recent years there is mounting evidence that type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia, which can be considered as a “new” long-term diabetic co-morbid complication with dramatic consequences for patients and their families and a significant impact for healthcare systems. At present there are no reported phenotypic indicators or reliable tests to identify T2D patients at risk of developing dementia. Since the retina is ontogenically a brain-derived tissue, we propose that the evaluation of retinal parameters related to either neurodegeneration or microvascular disease will be robust and valuable biomarkers to identify those T2D patients at higher risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia. On this basis the overarching aims of the project are: 1) To investigate the common mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of DR and cognitive impairment in the T2D. 2) To use the retina as a tool to identifying individuals with T2D at a higher risk of developing cognitive decline or dementia. Our multidisciplinary consortium (RECOGNISED) consist of top research leaders in the field belonging to 15 prestigious institutions as well as EATRIS, IDF-Europe and Alzheimer Europe and 3 SMEs. RECOGNISED will apply innovative approaches to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in the high prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia in T2D population and will use this knowledge to characterize clinical phenotypes (personalized medicine) based on retinal functional and structural characteristics and serum biomarkers in order to stratify the risk and severity of cognitive decline. Previously collected data from registries, cohorts and biobanks will be appropriately exploited and robust new data will be generated that will guide clinical recommendations and open up new therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, RECOGNISED project will help to reduce the huge societal and economic burden associated with diabetes-related cognitive impairment.
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Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
08035 Barcelona
Spain
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Participants (24)
BT7 1NN Belfast
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3000 548 Coimbra
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3584 CX Utrecht
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1081 HV Amsterdam
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00133 Roma
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Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
00153 Roma
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Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
00198 Roma
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20132 Milano
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20122 Milano
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5230 Odense M
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Participation ended
28100 Novara
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08221 Terrassa
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08007 Barcelona
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Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
08916 Badalona Barcelona
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81000 Podgorica
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81000 Podgorica
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11003 Cadiz
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1081 HZ Amsterdam
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1736 SENNINGERBERG
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
1090 Bruxelles / Brussel
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08007 Barcelona
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
3001 Leuven
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08028 Barcelona
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
20138 Milano
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