Maria Andriolo
Papers
1
Total Citations
22
H-Index
1
About
Maria Andriolo is a neuroscientist whose research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying disorders of consciousness (DOC) and the potential for rehabilitation to promote neural plasticity. Her work bridges clinical neurology and molecular neuroscience, investigating how severe brain injuries disrupt consciousness and whether targeted interventions can restore brain function. In her most-cited study, Andriolo demonstrated that serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a key protein for neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity—are significantly reduced in patients with DOC. She further showed that these levels remain unchanged following verticalization with robot-assisted lower-limb training, challenging assumptions about the efficacy of certain rehabilitative approaches. This work, cited 22 times, has important implications for understanding the biological underpinnings of consciousness disorders and for designing more effective therapeutic strategies. Andriolo’s research is notable for its translational approach, combining rigorous biomarker analysis with clinical rehabilitation trials to uncover the molecular signatures of recovery. Her findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that DOC patients may require more targeted, neurobiologically informed interventions to stimulate brain plasticity and improve outcomes.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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