Alzheimer’s: New Drugs, Early Detection & Prevention Strategies
Madrid – Dr. Pascual Sánchez-Juan, a neurologist specializing in dementia, has been appointed Director of Scientific Research at the Fundación CIEN (Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Neurológicas) in Spain, according to a statement released on March 17, 2026. His appointment comes as researchers increasingly focus on early detection and prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s disease.
Sánchez-Juan, currently the Principal Investigator of the Dementia Research Group at the Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla in IDIVAL and CIBERNED, believes Alzheimer’s is often misconstrued as a disease solely affecting the elderly. “Alzheimer’s is a disease of young people… that takes 20 years to manifest,” he stated. “We need to stop thinking of it as something that happens to older people and start recognizing its origins much earlier.”
The Fundación CIEN, which operates under the auspices of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), promotes and develops research into neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The organization maintains a biobank holding brain tissue from over 800 donors, a resource highlighted in a recent article in the journal Nature as a pivotal hub for Alzheimer’s research. This biobank, combined with clinical care provided at the Fundación Reina Sofía Alzheimer Center, allows for a unique integration of laboratory findings and patient observations, with patients undergoing semi-annual and annual evaluations including blood tests and advanced imaging.
Recent advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment, including the approval of lecanemab (Eisai and Biogen) and donanemab (Ely Lilly) in the United States and other countries, are contributing to a “hopeful outlook,” according to Sánchez-Juan. These drugs work by removing beta-amyloid protein, a key component of the disease’s pathology and have demonstrated a 30 percent slowing of cognitive decline in trials. However, he emphasized the importance of preventative measures, stating, “We need to take care of the brain from the moment we are born, not start paying attention when we retire.”
CIEN recently inaugurated a Neurophysiology and Neuromodulation Laboratory, which will focus on non-invasive techniques to advance research into neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers are also exploring the potential of blood-based biomarkers to diagnose Alzheimer’s at earlier stages. A blood test measuring levels of the p-tau217 protein, originating from the brain, is increasingly being used in clinical settings, offering a less invasive alternative to cerebrospinal fluid analysis and PET scans. The presence of this protein, even in asymptomatic individuals, can indicate a greater than 90 percent probability of developing the disease.
Sánchez-Juan noted that although genetic factors play a role – with over 80 identified genetic regions associated with Alzheimer’s – lifestyle factors are also crucial. He highlighted the importance of physical exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding toxins like tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. He also pointed to emerging research linking air pollution and sensory limitations, such as hearing loss, to increased dementia risk. He underscored the role of emotional well-being and adequate sleep in maintaining brain health.
Despite advancements, Sánchez-Juan cautioned against expecting a complete cure for Alzheimer’s. “Our goal should be to delay the course of the disease, to manage it, even to prevent it from appearing,” he said. Clinical trials are currently underway to assess the efficacy of these recent drugs in individuals who already exhibit biomarkers for Alzheimer’s but have not yet developed symptoms.