Alzheimer disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia, characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and functional impairment over time.
FDA approved a subcutaneous starting dose of Leqembi for early Alzheimer's disease. AAIC 2026 real-world data showed most patients stable or improved; a mouse study found KCL-286 repaired DNA damage and reduced inflammation.
A Cochrane review of 17 trials finds amyloid-beta-targeted monoclonal antibodies offer negligible benefit in MCI or mild Alzheimer’s. In a phase 3 trial, the oral agent valiltramiprosate (ALZ-801) showed significant cognitive and functional improvements in the MCI subgroup, with no brain swelling risk. The company plans another phase 3 study in 2026.
Recent studies associate blood biomarkers with brain atrophy and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, while new DNA aptamers, retinal imaging, and speech analysis advance neurodegeneration detection and monitoring.
Two studies of older adults with type 2 diabetes linked diabetic retinal disease with higher dementia risk. DME and more severe diabetic retinopathy were associated with higher all-cause and vascular dementia risk, but not consistently with Alzheimer’s disease.
A study in Nature Medicine found that a single blood test model using plasma %p-tau217 can estimate when Alzheimer’s symptoms are likely to begin. In 603 patients, the model linked biomarker positivity with symptom onset, with a median error of 3.0 to 3.7 years.
January and March 2026 drug pipeline updates included Phase 3 results, Fast Track designations and Priority Review decisions across multiple disease areas. Mavacamten, teplizumab-mzwv, anifrolumab, AXS-05, gedatolisib and AFTX-201 were among the programs with notable milestones.
A Delphi consensus of 23 experts identified Zostavax, sildenafil and riluzole as high-priority candidates for Alzheimer disease clinical trials. Caregivers ranked the herpes zoster vaccine highest for acceptability and perceived benefit–risk balance.
New research demonstrates that blood tests measuring p-tau217 protein can identify dementia risk up to 25 years before symptoms and significantly improve diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07768579 |
The Effect of Sequential Therapy on Alzheimer's Disease |
RECRUITING | |
| NCT07763392 |
Establishing Normal Cognitive Test Scores for Adults Using a Voice-Enabled Digital Testing Platform Across the Lifespan |
RECRUITING | |
| NCT07758751 |
Multisensory 40-Hz Stimulation for Alzheimer's Disease |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT07758660 |
Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) PET Component Study |
ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION | PHASE2 |
| NCT07757178 |
Lived Experience Narratives in Dementia |
RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT07756294 |
Restoring Vascular and Insulin Function To Augment Anti-Amyloid Therapy in Alzheimer's Disease |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT07732842 |
Study of Repetitive Behaviors in Alzheimer's Disease |
RECRUITING | |
| NCT07721701 |
Digital Dementia Registry Bavaria (digiDEM Bayern): a Multicentre, Prospective, Longitudinal Register Study Including People With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia as Well as Their Family Caregivers |
RECRUITING | |
| NCT07720765 |
Optical Coherence Tomography in Neurological Practice: Utility and Applicability Across Neurological Diseases (OCt.IN.N) |
RECRUITING | |
| NCT07717567 |
Blood Tests for Alzheimer's Disease: Can Plasma Biomarkers Diagnose and Predict Disease Progression |
RECRUITING |
