Thousands gathered in Toronto last month to learn about the latest in scientific discoveries, diagnostics, preventative approaches and treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Our team was among those in attendance. Here is our list of top five themes and topics from the conference.

• People can make lifestyle changes that positively affect cognition. Results from the POINTER study found that together exercise, nutrition, cognitive and social engagement can improve thinking ability even among older adults who are sedentary and have other risk factors for Alzheimer’s. Next month’s newsletter will dive deeper into the POINTER study findings.
• Blood biomarkers may revolutionize how we diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s and other disorders. Fully automated blood tests are being developed and being submitted to health authorities (such as the FDA) for approval. This would allow tests to be done on existing equipment already available in hospitals and healthcare settings, not just academic research labs. These tests could serve as standalone diagnostics, meaning that patients may not always need a PET scan. Importantly, research is focused on developing blood biomarkers for other forms of dementia.
• Several different approaches to treating mild cognitive impairment and early-stage Alzheimer’s are under development. While lecanemab and donanemab are currently the only approved treatments, other anti-amyloid treatments such as remternetug and trontinemab are in or moving into late-stage trials. Other mechanisms of action and targets, such as tau treatments, are in development. Drug companies are racing to make these treatments available for at-home subcutaneous (under the skin) injection rather than IV infusion in a facility. Oral (pill) medications are also being tested.
• Scientists are discovering how to get drugs into the brain at lower doses. Technology that allows drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach their target at lower doses may result in fewer side effects. This is particularly important for people with 1 or 2 copies of the APOE4 gene.
• The immune system and gut microbiome are important to brain health. Research continues to make headway discovering how the gut talks to the brain and the immune system, including the role of the vagus nerve. New research suggest that the immune system may play a role in the increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease in people with one or two copies of the APOE4 gene.

Future editions of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Bulletin will highlight many of these topics. Keep an eye out for the September newsletter that will dive into the POINTER study. Until then, share the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry with your friends and family, and check out the latest studies listed on the Registry.