Elke Butterbrod

My research focuses on the multifaceted value of cognitive and PRO (Patient Reported Outcome) data in aging and neuro-oncological diseases, with a particular focus on subjective cognitive decline, dementia and primary brain tumors. I aim to work in a transdiagnostic manner- combining insights from these diseases that actually share similar symptomatology, such as self-perceived cognitive decline, and (progressive) disruption of cognitive performances and problems in daily functioning, and  even common biological mechanisms. Furthermore, these fields face similar challenges in studying this symptomatology, such as limited translation of in-clinic evaluation to daily settings and the need for more granular measures of cognitive dysfunction that are not always derived from traditional neuropsychological assessment. Finally, the prognostic value of cognition and PRO measures for a variety of patients, ranging from cognitively unimpaired individuals with amyloid buildup in the brain to those who have recently been treated for a malignant brain tumor, is also a common topic of interest. The information from this research could improve patient informing, help target patients for monitoring and aid in timely treatment planning. Interdisciplinary collaboration is at the heart of my projects.