Dr. Didem Tezen is a dedicated neurologist and researcher with a strong academic background and extensive experience in clinical neurology. She has contributed significantly to the field through her research on neuromuscular disorders, dementia, movement disorders, and neurogenetics. With multiple publications in reputable journals, she has demonstrated expertise in both clinical and molecular neuroscience. Dr. Tezen’s research focuses on the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying neurological diseases, aiming to advance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. She has worked at prestigious institutions, including Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa and Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, and currently serves at Oltu State Hospital in Erzurum, Turkey. Her work is highly regarded for its impact on understanding rare neuromuscular syndromes, neuroinflammatory pathways, and neurodegeneration. She actively collaborates with leading experts in neurology and has played a key role in pioneering studies on biomarkers for dementia and genetic mutations in movement disorders. Dr. Tezen’s commitment to scientific discovery and her clinical expertise make her a valuable contributor to the field of neurology. Her growing international presence and dedication to translational research place her among the emerging leaders in neurological research and patient care.

Professional Profile

• Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Didem Tezen has pursued a distinguished academic journey in medicine and neurology, building a solid foundation for her research and clinical practice. She completed her medical education at Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine from 2011 to 2017, where she developed her fundamental medical knowledge and clinical skills. After graduating, she advanced her expertise by specializing in neurology at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, between 2018 and 2024. This rigorous residency program provided her with extensive experience in managing a wide range of neurological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, neuromuscular disorders, and cerebrovascular diseases. During her studies, she actively participated in clinical research projects and collaborated with experienced faculty members, allowing her to gain practical knowledge in neurophysiology, neuroimaging, and genetic neurology. Her educational background has played a crucial role in shaping her research interests, particularly in biomarker discovery, genetic analysis, and neuroinflammatory mechanisms in neurological disorders. Currently, she continues to apply her knowledge and expand her expertise as a practicing neurologist, while also engaging in ongoing research in her field. Her academic achievements and commitment to lifelong learning highlight her dedication to advancing neurological science and patient care.

Professional Experience

Dr. Didem Tezen has accumulated extensive clinical and research experience throughout her career in neurology. She began her professional journey at Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, where she worked from 2017 to 2018, gaining firsthand experience in diagnosing and treating a variety of neurological conditions. This period provided her with essential clinical skills and exposure to neurology emergencies and complex neurological disorders. From 2018 to 2024, she further honed her expertise at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Neurology Department, where she was involved in both clinical neurology and research. During this time, she contributed to several groundbreaking studies focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, neuromuscular disorders, and molecular neurology. She collaborated with esteemed researchers and specialists in neurophysiology, genetics, and electrophysiology, leading to several high-impact publications. As of 2024, Dr. Tezen has been serving as a neurologist at Oltu State Hospital in Erzurum, Turkey, where she continues to provide specialized care to patients with complex neurological disorders. Her clinical expertise, combined with her strong research background, allows her to integrate the latest scientific advancements into patient treatment, making her a highly valued physician and researcher in the field of neurology.

Research Interests

Dr. Didem Tezen’s research interests are primarily focused on the genetic and biochemical mechanisms of neurological diseases, aiming to improve both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. One of her key areas of interest is neurodegeneration, particularly the role of biomarkers and neuroinflammatory pathways in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Her research has explored the clinical significance of YKL-40, VILIP-1, and inflammatory cytokines in neurodegenerative disorders, shedding light on their potential use as biomarkers for disease progression. She is also deeply engaged in studying neuromuscular diseases, with a focus on congenital myasthenic syndromes, hereditary polyneuropathies, and motor neuron diseases. Her investigations into genetic mutations associated with these disorders have provided critical insights into their pathophysiology. Additionally, she has contributed to research on movement disorders, examining rare cases of ADCY5 gene mutations and cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis. Dr. Tezen is also interested in clinical neurophysiology, particularly the application of electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies in diagnosing neuromuscular and movement disorders. Her multidisciplinary approach, integrating genetics, neuroinflammation, and electrophysiology, positions her as a forward-thinking researcher in the field of neurology.

Research Skills

Dr. Didem Tezen possesses a diverse set of research skills that enable her to conduct high-quality scientific investigations in neurology. She is proficient in neurogenetics, with expertise in analyzing genetic mutations related to neuromuscular diseases and movement disorders. Her ability to integrate molecular genetics and clinical findings has significantly contributed to understanding rare neurological conditions. She is also skilled in biomarker research, particularly in the context of dementia and neurodegeneration. Her experience in measuring serum biomarkers, neuroinflammatory markers, and neurodegenerative proteins has advanced the field’s understanding of disease progression and potential treatment targets. In clinical neurophysiology, she has expertise in performing and interpreting electrophysiological tests, such as EMG and nerve conduction studies, which are essential for diagnosing neuromuscular disorders. Additionally, her research involves advanced neuroimaging techniques, including MRI analysis of brain volume changes in dementia patients. Her ability to design clinical studies, analyze statistical data, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams further enhances her research capabilities. Her strong academic writing skills have also enabled her to publish multiple research papers in peer-reviewed journals, reinforcing her reputation as an accomplished researcher.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Didem Tezen has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to neurology research through several awards and honors. She has received institutional recognition for her work in biomarker discovery and neurogenetics, contributing to a deeper understanding of neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders. Her research on biomarkers in dementia and neuroinflammatory pathways has been highly regarded in neurology conferences and academic circles. She has also played a key role in multi-disciplinary research teams that have advanced the field of neuromuscular genetics. In addition to her scientific achievements, Dr. Tezen’s clinical excellence and commitment to patient care have earned her commendations from senior neurologists and faculty members. Her dedication to both research and clinical neurology sets her apart as a well-rounded physician-scientist. With her growing body of work and increasing international presence, she is poised to receive further recognition for her contributions to neurology and neuroscience research in the years to come.

Conclusion

Dr. Didem Tezen is a highly accomplished neurologist and researcher with a strong background in neuromuscular disorders, neurodegeneration, and neurogenetics. Her extensive research output, clinical expertise, and multidisciplinary approach make her a valuable asset to the field of neurology. Her contributions to biomarker discovery, genetic analysis, and electrophysiology have advanced our understanding of neurological diseases, earning her recognition among peers. While she has already established a strong foundation, further expanding her international collaborations, securing research funding, and increasing first-author publications could elevate her to greater scientific prominence. Overall, Dr. Tezen is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, and her dedication to scientific excellence will continue to have a significant impact on neurology research and patient care.

Scientific Activities

1. Tezen D, Koçhan Kızılkılıç E, Akkan Suzan A, et al. 2025.

   • Correlation between serum YKL-40 and VILIP 1 levels and brain volume in dementia patients.

2. Tezen D, Khojakulov Z, Gündüz A, Deymeer F, Demirbilek V, Başak AN. 2024.

   • Clinical, electrophysiological, and genetic analysis of a family with two rare neuromuscular disorders: congenital myasthenic syndrome and hereditary polyneuropathy.

3. Tezen D, Kızılkılıç EK, Erener N, Khojakulov Z, Demirbilek V, Başak AN. 2025.

   • Experience with salbutamol treatment in a family with congenital myasthenia due to CHRNE mutation.

4. Tezen D, Savrun F. 2023.

   • Alt Motor Nöron Hastalıkları, in Türkiye Klinikleri Nöroloji Özel Sayı-Motor Nöron Hastalıkları, edited by Nurten Uzun Adatepe.

5. Gulmammadli N, Konukoğlu D, Merve Kurtuluş E, Tezen D, Ibrahim Erbay M, Bozluolçay M. 2022.

   • Serum Sirtuin-1, HMGB1-TLR4, NF-KB and IL-6 levels in Alzheimer’s: The Relation Between Neuroinflammatory Pathway and Severity of Dementia.

6. Tezen D, Gunduz A, Erdemir Kiziltan M, Yalcinkaya C, Kiziltan G. 2022.

   • ADCY5 gene mutation: a case report.

7. Tezen D, Şimşir G, Çokar Ö, Demirbilek V, Başak AN, Yapıcı Z. 2022.

   • Four Turkish families with hyperekplexia: A missense mutation and the exon 1-7 deletion in the GLRA1 gene.

8. Aktuglu Zeybek C, Gunduz A, Enver EO, Tezen D, Kiykim E, Kızıltan ME. 2020.

   • Movement disorders in the early-diagnosed cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis: An electrophysiological study.

9. Benbir Şenel G, Tezen D, Tekgül Ş, Başak AN. 2020.

   • Co-existence of Mutations in PRRT2 and ABCC6 Genes in a Turkish Family.