Prof. Caroline Graff

Prof. Caroline Graff is a Professor of Genetic Dementia Research at Karolinska Institutet, one of the world's foremost medical universities and home to the Nobel Assembly that awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. She was appointed to her professorship on 1 October 2011 and leads the Translational Genetics of Neurodegenerative Disease research group within the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS). Prof. Graff is internationally recognised as a leading researcher in the genetics of Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and related neurodegenerative conditions. She is also a practising Clinical Geneticist at Karolinska University Hospital, where she heads the Unit for Hereditary Dementias at Clinical Genetics and Genomics. Prof. Graff received her medical degree from Uppsala University in 1992 and her PhD from the same institution in 1997. Her research bridges genetics, neuropathology, and clinical care, aiming to identify genetic risk factors and translate findings into practical tools for genetic counselling and early diagnosis. She manages the KI Brain Bank and participates in major international dementia research consortia.

Prof. Caroline Graff obtained her medical degree (MD) from Uppsala University, Sweden, in 1992, followed by her PhD at the same university in 1997, with research focused on the genetics of neurodegenerative diseases. She underwent specialist training in clinical genetics and neurology, combining her laboratory research expertise with clinical practice in genetic counselling for hereditary dementias. Prof. Graff was appointed Professor of Genetic Dementia Research at Karolinska Institutet in October 2011, following a career built on internationally competitive research output and clinical leadership. She has led or participated in numerous international research programmes and consortia focused on Alzheimer's disease genetics, including genome-wide association studies and next-generation sequencing initiatives. Her research group at Karolinska Institutet trains PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from Sweden and around the world. Prof. Graff is a member of leading international scientific organisations in dementia research and is a regular contributor to the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and other high-impact neuroscience journals.

Prof. Caroline Graff's expertise sits at the intersection of clinical neurology, clinical genetics, and translational dementia research. Her core research focus is the identification and characterisation of genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative dementias, particularly Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and FTD associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She studies both familial and sporadic forms of these conditions using genomic, transcriptomic, and neuropathological approaches. In her clinical role at the Unit for Hereditary Dementias, she provides genetic counselling and evaluation for individuals and families affected by hereditary dementia, including those with mutations in APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, MAPT, GRN, and C9orf72 genes. She is the manager of the KI Brain Bank, a key resource for neuropathological research. Prof. Graff's translational work seeks to convert genetic discoveries into clinically applicable biomarkers and risk prediction tools. She is an initiator of research networks in Sweden dedicated to advancing hereditary dementia research and improving the care of affected families.

Prof. Caroline Graff at Karolinska University Hospital provides clinical genetics consultations for individuals and families affected by hereditary dementia, including international patients seeking evaluation or genetic counselling in Sweden. She consults in English, making her accessible to international patients from across Europe and beyond. Stockholm is one of Europe's leading medical and research hubs, and Karolinska University Hospital is internationally recognised for its excellence in neurological and genetic medicine. International patients seeking evaluation for hereditary Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal dementia should prepare detailed family histories, previous genetic test results, neuropsychological assessments, and MRI or PET imaging reports before their appointment. The Unit for Hereditary Dementias at Karolinska provides a multidisciplinary evaluation that integrates clinical genetics, neurology, and neuropsychology. International patients requiring follow-up can be accommodated via telemedicine after an initial in-person assessment. Prof. Graff's research programme also offers opportunities for eligible patients to participate in clinical research studies and trials.

Prof. Caroline Graff has received national and international recognition for her contributions to dementia genetics research and clinical care. Her appointment as Professor of Genetic Dementia Research at Karolinska Institutet in 2011 represents the highest academic distinction in her field. She has been recognised by the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease as a member and active contributor to the field's leading academic forum. Her research group has received competitive funding from the Swedish Research Council, the Alzheimer's Association, and other prestigious national and international research bodies. Prof. Graff has also been acknowledged for her leadership in building research networks for hereditary dementia in Sweden and her dedication to training the next generation of dementia researchers and clinicians.