The Lancet Summit:
Presymptomatic Prevention and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

The biological paths that lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders start many years before clinical symptoms arise. In research settings, diagnostic criteria for these diseases now involve the use of biomarkers that reveal such pathophysiological changes.

Researchers are identifying and refining genetic, radiological, and CSF and blood biomarkers. At the same time, the effects on these biomarkers of therapies that could halt or delay neurodegeneration are being tested in clinical trials. These advances could ultimately enable Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders to be prevented at preclinical stage.

Landmark biomarker and prevention studies, and hypothetical models of preclinical neurodegenerative diseases have been reported in The Lancet and The Lancet Neurology over the past decade. Reflecting our commitment to support this crucial area of neurological research, this Summit will provide a timely update on the latest advances and challenges in this area, with an emphasis on prevention.

The Summit will also provide a forum for discussion of the ethical and regulatory issues that these advances will bring about in research settings and clinical practice.

The programme will cover these topics:

• Genetics, cellular pathways, and neuronal vulnerability
• Biomarkers and early diagnosis
• Prevention through therapeutics
• Ethical and regulatory considerations