Luca Baldelli MD PhD

Neurology Consultant and Assistant Professor (Ricercatore Universitario a tempo determinato tipo A - junior)
Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences
Alma Mater Studiorum
University of Bologna

Clinician
IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna

Editorial Board Member since 2024: Sleep Disorders

Dr. Luca Baldelli is a Neurology Consultant and Assistant Professor (Ricercatore Universitario a tempo determinato, tipo A) at the Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, with an integrated clinical appointment as Neurologist at the IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna. He completed his PhD in Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences in 2025 under the supervision of Prof. Federica Provini, focusing on the impact of deep brain stimulation on the sleep–wake cycle and its neurophysiological correlates.

Dr. Baldelli’s clinical and research activity lies at the intersection of Sleep Medicine, Movement Disorders, and Autonomic Nervous System disorders, with particular expertise in prodromal and early-stage α-synucleinopathies. His work has significantly contributed to defining isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) as a key window into neurodegeneration, investigating its clinical trajectory, phenoconversion, and biological underpinnings. His research integrates advanced methodologies including video-polysomnography, autonomic testing, neuroimaging, local field potential analysis from deep brain stimulation systems, and molecular and epigenetic biomarkers.

A major focus of his research addresses the interaction between sleep, autonomic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration, spanning conditions such as Parkinson disease, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, and rare disorders including Fatal Familial Insomnia. Within this framework, he has played an active role as investigator in numerous national and international multicenter observational studies and interventional clinical trials, including phase II–III trials targeting autonomic failure and disease modification in synucleinopathies.

Dr. Baldelli has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications in leading international journals (H-index 12; >650 citations) and is a frequent invited speaker at major international congresses in neurology, sleep medicine, and autonomic neuroscience. He serves on the Editorial Boards of Frontiers in Sleep, Frontiers in Neuroscience, and as Associate Editor for Sleep Disorders at MedLink Neurology, and acts regularly as reviewer for high-impact journals.

At the international level, Dr. Baldelli is Treasurer-elect and Board Member of the International REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Study Group (IRBDSG), a member of the Management Group of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Scientific Panels on Sleep-Wake Disorders and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders, and collaborates with the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group within the Leg Movement Detection Task Force. He is also actively involved in academic teaching at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels and supervises medical students and residents in clinical and research activities.

Through the integration of clinical expertise, translational research, and international collaboration, Dr. Baldelli’s work aims to refine diagnostic frameworks, identify early biomarkers, and improve therapeutic strategies for sleep-related and neurodegenerative disorders.