New Therapies and Early Detection Discussed at the International Congress on Neurodegenerative Diseases

This congress reaffirmed the collaboration between the two countries in the research and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, a condition with a higher incidence in aging societies like those of Spain and Portugal, and with a profound economic and social impact.

For three days, the Champalimaud Foundation brought together the world's leading experts to discuss the latest advances in the research and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The scientific programme of the congress was designed by John Krakauer, Director of the Human Neuroscience Programme; Joe Paton, Director of the Champalimaud Research; and Marcelo Mendonça, neurologist and researcher at the Champalimaud Foundation and Pascual Sánchez Juan, director científico de CIEN.

While the first two days focused on science – from neuropathology to genetics, covering early detection through biomarkers and neuroimaging, new pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, and digital assessment and intervention tools – the final day was dedicated to the people living with and affected by neurodegenerative disease.

To mark World Alzheimer's Day, celebrated precisely on September 21st, patient associations for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's from Portugal and Spain took the stage, along with patients, neurologists, geneticists, and researchers, to discuss the main challenges and difficulties they face.

Her Majesty Queen Sofía presided over the official event celebrating World Alzheimer's Day, which included speeches by the President of the Champalimaud Foundation, Leonor Beleza, the Portuguese Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, the Spanish Government’s Secretary General for Research, Eva Ortega, and the Ambassador of Spain in Portugal.