Thomas Klockgether

Prof. Dr. Thomas Klockgether is a Professor at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn, Germany. His research focuses on spinocerebellar ataxias, utilizing data-driven approaches to understand disease progression and develop biomarkers for clinical trials through longitudinal cohort studies and digital outcome measures.

His work spans five critical domains:

• Digital Movement Assessment: Development of SARAhome (video-based at-home ataxia evaluation) and AI-driven gait/speech analysis tools to overcome limitations of clinical scales.
• MRI Biomarker Innovation: Leading ultra-high-field MRI studies (SCAIFIELD project) with CerebNet for cerebellar segmentation; demonstrated >10-year pre-ataxia neurodegeneration in SCA3 with pontine volume as key biomarker.
• Patient-Centered Outcomes: EJP RD-funded PROFA project uses e-health apps to quantify health economic and psychosocial burdens of ataxia in real time.
• Disease Staging: Created first data-driven SCA3 staging model (ESMI project) identifying asymptomatic/biomarker stages for prevention trials.
• Sporadic Ataxia Research: Established SPORTAX registry (>500 participants) characterizing MSA and SAOA progression through biomarker evolution.

Funded by JPND, NIH, and EJP RD, his research provides foundational frameworks for interventional trials in ataxia, emphasizing early detection through digital tools and imaging biomarkers.