Mapping the Mind: Understanding How Brain Networks Change in Dementia
Early Investigator Spotlight: Dr. Jürgen Germann
December 9, 2025
Meet Dr. Jürgen Germann
Dr. Jürgen Germann is an Assistant Scientist at the Krembil Research Institute, a Scientist at the Centre for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA), and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering. His work brings together brain imaging and brain network modelling to better understand how the brain changes in neurological and psychiatric conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. His goal is to learn how brain networks break down over time—and how therapies like brain stimulation may help restore function.
What drew you to dementia research?
I have always been fascinated by how the brain supports our memories, emotions, and daily actions. During my training, I learned to use special brain scans that show how different parts of the brain are connected, and techniques that can gently stimulate those areas to help them work better. I saw how dementia slowly disrupts these networks, often long before symptoms appear. That made me want to understand these early changes and find ways to respond sooner. Working with families affected by dementia has shown me how important it is to do research that is both scientifically rigorous and personally meaningful.
What are you working on now?
My lab studies how brain circuits change in dementia and how advanced MRI can help us see these changes sooner and more clearly. MRI is a type of scan that uses magnets, not radiation, to take detailed pictures of the brain. We work with partners across Toronto to look closely at high-resolution brain scans and connect what we see to symptoms such as memory loss, changes in thinking, mood shifts, and challenges with daily activities.
We are also testing neuromodulation therapies—techniques that gently stimulate specific brain areas—to support brain function. By combining detailed imaging with targeted interventions, our goal is to match the right treatment to the right person at the right time. We are developing imaging-based markers that can help doctors predict who is most likely to benefit, track progress, and adjust care as needed.
Why does this work matter?
Timing is essential in dementia care. The earlier we can detect changes in the brain, the sooner doctors, families, and caregivers can make informed decisions. Early detection can help people access therapies when they may be most effective, plan for the future, and reduce uncertainty.
By studying how brain networks change and how those changes spread, this research can guide new approaches to diagnosis and treatment. It may also help clinical trials identify people at the right stage of disease, improving research outcomes and accelerating new treatments. Ultimately, this work aims to give people living with dementia and their families clearer answers and more time with the abilities that matter most.
Where do you see your career going next?
Looking ahead, I plan to continue building strong collaborations across hospitals, universities, and community partners. My lab will expand work on imaging-based markers to better predict and monitor disease progression. We also aim to further develop neuromodulation therapies that support brain function and improve symptoms. Training the next generation of researchers is another key goal, ensuring that new ideas and innovations continue to advance dementia care in the years to come.
Looking at the bigger picture
Dr. Germann’s work helps reveal how the brain’s networks change in dementia—and how they might be supported or strengthened. By improving early detection and exploring new treatment strategies, his research brings hope for more personalized care and better outcomes for people living with dementia and their families.