41st Blankenese Conference

Brain disorders are frequently associated with dysfunction of chemical synapses – either causally due to functional impairment of specific synaptic elements or as a consequence of other disease mechanisms that disturb the functionality of these highly complex molecular machines for neuronal communication. In many cases, it is difficult to distinguish which of the two possibilities applies, although this information may be very important for potential treatment strategies. The term “Synaptopathies” has been coined for this highly diverse group of diseases. They can have acquired or genetic causes and can be due to malfunctions in neurodevelopment, neurodegenerative processes or abnormal interactions with other body organs such as the immune system. At the 41st Blankenese Conference, experts dealing with these different aspects of the impairment of brain synapses will meet to discuss current and future strategies to discover disease mechanisms and ways to combat Synaptopathies.