Wharton lab
Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2026
The Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) is the largest global gathering of researchers, clinicians, and dementia professionals focused on the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. This past July, more than 13,000 attendees from 111 countries took part — including members of the Wharton & PREVAIL Lab. Below you will find takeaways from the conference we believe are relevant to our participants, as well as posters from the Wharton & PREVAIL labs.
Main Takeaways from AAIC 2026
Blood tests for Alzheimer's Disease biomarkers are entering clinical practice
In a large study in Sweden, researchers found that blood-based biomarker tests in people with memory complaints and Mild Cognitive Impairment significantly improved the accuracy of Alzheimer’s diagnosis by evaluating amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau (~90% diagnostic accuracy). A separate study found that blood biomarkers tests could allow us to predict a person’s risk of cognitive decline up to 10 years in advance.
However, researchers caution that routine clinical use is still in development, and currently, only individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment should undergo testing. The tests are best used in conjunction with thorough cognitive evaluation and health and medication history, and after ruling out other potential causes of memory loss such as stroke, menopause or vitamin deficiency. CSF collection and PET imaging remain the most reliable methods for detecting non-modifiable Alzheimer's disease risk in fluids.
The PREVAIL Lab is using blood samples to test the hypothesis that these blood tests may be related to cognitive testing on PREVAIL participants.
Healthy habits and lifestyle made a measurable difference.
At AAIC 2025, researchers presented findings from the U.S. POINTER clinical trial, in which two intensive lifestyle programs improved cognition in older adults at risk. This study reinforced how increased physical activity, better nutrition, greater social engagement, and health monitoring can help maintain brain health. This year, a large coaching study (LatAm-FINGERS) in 11 Latin American countries built upon the POINTER data. This research showed that culturally structured lifestyle interventions improved memory, thinking, and overall cognitive function in older adults at risk of dementia. The study’s focus on inexpensive, non-pharmaceutical solutions would provide accessible, meaningful change for all.
Receiving a diagnosis or becoming a caregiver can be overwhelming, but there are steps forward
The Alzheimer's Association shared the steps they often find families need from diagnosis on in order to support both the individual with Alzheimer's or related dementia and the caregivers that carry a large burden.
1. Understand more about the diagnosis from trusted sources.
2. Navigate what your care plan will look like & explore next steps.
3. Build Skills for the diagnosed individual to increase confidence within everyday life.
4. Connect with professionals and community members to decrease the isolating effects of caregiving and illness.
5. Belong to the community through engagement and research, finding a purpose to move towards.
Visit the Alzheimer's Association website to find resources tailored to different stages of caregiving.
Protecting your head matters for brain health too.
The largest study of its kind found that retired professional soccer players showed measurable brain changes by midlife, including lower brain volume in memory-related regions and higher rates of depression, years before symptoms would typically appear. A good reminder that head injury protection is as important as diet, sleep, and exercise.
Posters from the PREVAIL Lab
Differences in Perceived Health by Gender Identity Among LGBTQIA+ Caregiving Adults
Whitney Wharton, PhD
Trust and Willingness to Participate in Research Among Sexual and Gender Minorities: Results from the RISE Registry
Danielle D. Verble, MA
Serum Tau And Inflammation In Cognitively Unimpaired Adults With Cardiovascular Risk
Brittany Butts, PhD, RN
Sex Hormones Modulate Vascular and Cognitive Function in a Diverse, Middle-Aged Cohort
Chloe Park
Arterial Stiffness is Related to Indices of Blood Brain Barrier Breakdown and Brain Volume in a Middle-age Cohort at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
