We aim to identify the cellular signaling pathways and mechanisms by which glia, and astrocytes in particular, contribute to disease initiation and progression in neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia) as well as stroke. In addition, we are interested in the contribution of cerebrovascular changes to the pathogenesis of these diseases. We investigate these questions in models of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and stroke, using techniques such as in vivo two-photon microscopy, MRI, electropyhsiology, genetic and pharmacological calcium indicators, and behavioral tests. In addition, we seek to translate our experimental findings into clinical studies. To this end, we are involved a number of clinical studies investigating therapeutic strategies and pathogenic mechanisms in stroke and vascular cognitive impairment.