Diseases not only occur with varying frequency, but the course they take also varies, depending, for example, on the phase in the individual’s lifespan. What are the consequences for patients, their social environment, and for society as a whole? More knowledge about these factors is of great significance, particularly in light of demographic developments. The DynAge Focus Area aims to contribute to knowledge in this field.

Within this Focus Area social and natural scientists and humanities scholars from Freie Universität Berlin work with medical researchers from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the joint medical school of Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, as well as the German Institute of Human Nutrition and other collaborating partners.

The researchers involved in the Focus Area will concentrate their efforts on four main age-associated disease groups::

• tumors
• cardiovascular diseases
• degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system
• cognitive disorders / depression

DynAge stands for “Disease in Human Aging - Dynamics at the Level of Molecules, Individuals, and Society.” The team is investigating the dynamics of age-related disease processes at three levels: the molecular biological foundations are being studied as well as the situation of individual patients. On another level researchers are examining what effects the detection, treatment, and management of these diseases have on society.