Staff:
Andrea Brugnolo, Associate Professor
Nicola Girtler, Associate Professor
Research topics:
The research activity of SSD PSIC-01/B focuses on the study of cognitive function in neurodegenerative diseases, with particular attention to the identification of neuropsychological markers for early diagnosis and characterization of associated cognitive and emotional profiles. The field has a strong interdisciplinary focus, collaborating with related areas such as neurology (MEDS-12/A), psychiatry (MEDS-11/A) and medical genetics (MEDS-01/A).
Main Lines of Research
1. Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
Research activity focuses on the transition from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to full-blown disease. Neuropsychological tools are integrated with brain biomarkers, including amyloid tracer PET (Amy-PET), CSF analysis, and blood markers. A central focus is on the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT), used to quantify the degree of verbal forgetting and differentiate subjects with MCI from Alzheimer's versus healthy subjects.
2. Subjective memory disorder (SMC) and healthy aging
The field investigates the cognitive mechanisms underlying subjective memory disorder and promotes the study of healthy aging. The goal is to identify early risk and protective factors that can preserve cognitive function over time.
3. Parkinson's Disease
Research explores the interaction between cognitive, emotional and motor functions in both healthy subjects and patients with Parkinson's disease. The effects of emotions on cortical plasticity and motor learning are analyzed to understand the mechanisms that influence movement control.
4. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
Studies focus on the cognitive and behavioral features of DLB, including in the prodromal stage. In particular, the relationship with REM sleep behavioral disorder (RBD) is studied. The role of cognitive reserve-as measured by the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq)-as a protective factor in slowing cognitive decline is also evaluated.
5. REM sleep behavioral disorder (RBD)
RBD is an important early indicator of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and DLB. The research group analyzes correlations between this disorder and cognitive impairment, with the goal of identifying early neuropsychological and biological markers associated with it.
6. Huntington's Disease
The cognitive and emotional profile of patients with this rare condition is studied. The field has also developed specific clinical counseling models designed to improve multidisciplinary care and family support.
7. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Studies are ongoing on the effectiveness of CBT-I in improving sleep quality and cognitive and emotional functioning. These interventions target both clinical populations (e.g., elderly with cognitive decline) and the general population, with the goal of preventing the exacerbation of cognitive vulnerabilities related to chronic insomnia.
Validation of Neuropsychological Instruments
A central activity in the field is the validation of psychometric instruments, aimed at ensuring reliable measurements calibrated to the Italian population. Validated instruments include:
the Short Cognitive Evaluation Battery for global screening,
the Stroop Test for selective attention,
the FCSRT for early detection of Alzheimer's,
the Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale for assessment of protective factors such as resilience.