Neuropsychology


Who we are and what we do

Our research focuses on neuropsychology and cognition, with a particular emphasis on the early detection and mechanisms of cognitive decline across neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and also Long COVID. We investigate how alterations in brain networks relate to cognitive functioning across different disease stages and clinical populations.

Using multimodal approaches—such as comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, neuroimaging, and advanced data analytics—we aim to identify sensitive biomarkers of disease onset and progression. In addition, we integrate emerging technologies, including digital biomarkers, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality–based paradigms, to enhance the ecological validity and sensitivity of cognitive assessment.

A central goal of our work is the development of predictive models that combine clinical, biological, and environmental factors to improve early diagnosis and individualized risk stratification. By bridging innovative technologies with clinical application, we aim to advance personalized and translational neurology.

Team

Marisa Koini

Clinical and Health Neuropsychologist, Neuroscientis

Marko Stijic
PhD Student

Dimitrios Tsiakalos
MSc Student

Manuel Leitner, PhD 
(former staff member)


"Vorsorge gegen den geistigen Verfall" 

"Vergesslichkeit: Ist das noch normal oder schon Alzheimer?"

"Forschungsteam in Graz entwickelt „Long-Covid“-App, um Betroffenen mehr Lebensqualität zu bieten"

Current Projects


FFG-projects (under revision)

We have recently submitted two exploratory (feasibility) projects to the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (Austrian Research Promotion Agency, FFG), both aiming to develop innovative approaches for the early detection and prediction of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases.
 

The first project explores the integration of multimodal data—including clinical, neuropsychological, neuroimaging, and environmental factors—to develop AI-based predictive models for the progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. A particular emphasis is placed on scalable, clinically applicable solutions and the use of routinely collected healthcare data. 

The second project focuses on the use of virtual reality and eye-tracking technologies to create ecologically valid, immersive assessment environments. .


Partners in both Projects:

  • Know Center GmbH
  • UMIT Tirol
  • Duervation GmbH
  • University of Vienna,  Institut für Innovation und Öffentliches Recht
  • JOANNEUM Research (JRD)
  • Geriatric Health Centers of the City of Graz (GGZ)
  • VitaBlick GmbH
  • EXP360 GmbH
  • Kolping "Gemeinsam leben" Wien-Leopoldstadt GmbH


Contact

 

Assoc. Prof. PD Mag. Dr. Marisa Koini

Medical University of Graz

Department of Neurology 

Auenbruggerplatz 22, 8036 Graz

 

Tel: +43316/385-16537

Mail: [email protected]