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The study is conducted by:

Every year, researchers and clinicians from around the world gather at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) to share the latest advances in Alzheimer’s disease research. This year’s conference in Toronto brought exciting updates in how we understand, detect, and support people living with dementia. Here, we would like to share a few highlights. 

AAIC is the world’s largest meeting focused on Alzheimer’s and dementia research. It brings together scientists, doctors, and health professionals from around the world to present new findings, discuss challenges, and collaborate on solutions. For us at the REAL AD team, it is also an opportunity to share our own results, stay informed about the latest developments, and connect with other researchers. This helps ensure that we remain at the forefront of Alzheimer’s research. 

At the Technology and Dementia pre-conference, sessions and presentations focused on how technology, and more specific digital tools, are becoming an even bigger part of dementia care and research. Some examples: 

Remote cognitive testing is becoming more reliable and sensitive to early changes in memory and thinking, especially in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s.  

Wearable devices and ambient sensors are being tested to help monitor health and safety at home, including during nighttime. This may help people with dementia live safely in their homes for longer. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are being developed that treat the voice as a window into brain health. By analysing speech patterns and subtle changes in how people speak, these tools aim to detect early signs of dementia even before more obvious symptoms appear. 

There was even a project combining art, community, and AI: Synthetic Memories invites people to describe their earliest memories, which are then recreated using artificial intelligence. Read more about it here: https://www.syntheticmemories.net/ 

Blood-Based Biomarkers: Moving Closer to Clinical Practice 

One of the most widely discussed topics this year was the continued progress in blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. These are simple blood tests that can detect signs of the disease even before symptoms appear. This type of measurement is also included in the REAL AD study (Step 3). 

The p-tau217 marker continues to show strong results for identifying Alzheimer’s early and predicting how the disease may develop over time. It is a key marker used in many (large) studies, including REAL AD. 

Several research teams are exploring remote blood testing, where participants collect samples themselves at home. This can be done, for example, through a finger prick, placing drops of blood on a special card that creates what is known as a dried blood spot. New results show that this method is increasingly accurate and practical. It could help reduce pressure on the healthcare system and allow samples to be sent directly to laboratories. 

Encouragingly, there were many discussions about how these tests could be used in everyday healthcare in the future, supported by the first research-based study results on their implementation in primary care settings. It is important that this continues to be studied, carefully tested, and evaluated in real-world conditions. That is exactly why studies like REAL AD are so valuable. 

A study from Lund University showed that memory clinic physicians found it meaningfully more helpful to use blood-based biomarkers to guide diagnosis. Their use also resulted in increased diagnostic certainty and accuracy. 

Digital tools are also advancing when it comes to cognitive assessments. 

Several studies showed that remote, digital memory and thinking tests can accurately detect early changes, even when completed without supervision at home. For example, our collaborators from Neotiv once again presented promising results, alongside other research teams with their own testing methods. 

First results from the REMOTE-AD working group (Remote Digital Assessment and Monitoring) were also presented. You can read more about the group here: https://remote-ad.org/ 

However, further validation is still needed. Researchers are working to understand how these newer digital tests relate to gold-standard measures. There is also a focus on how everyday factors, such as distractions in the home environment, might influence results—and how these influences can be accounted for in the testing process. 

A key challenge ahead is ensuring that healthcare institutions not only begin using these tools (adoption) but also continue using them consistently over time (engagement). This applies to both participants and healthcare professionals. Several sessions highlighted this challenge and explored what steps are still needed to increase the use of digital cognitive tools in everyday clinical practice. 

Gender, Culture, and Global Perspectives 

Several sessions looked beyond biology, exploring how gender, culture, and stigma affect dementia diagnosis and care. In some cultures, dementia is still misunderstood or hidden, leading to delays in care. For example, in Africa, researchers are working closely with religious and community leaders to improve public understanding and participation in studies. 

We’re proud that our team from REAL AD also contributed to the conference! Posters from Iris Bosch and Laura Laura Stankeviciute were presented, showcasing parts of our ongoing work.  

Iris presented the poster “From Zero to 6,000 in Nine Months,” highlighting how the REAL AD study successfully recruited over 6,000 participants in a short time. Some of the topics covered in the poster included strategies for broad outreach through advertisement and earned media as well as multilingual materials, the benefits of a fully remote study design for scalability, and efforts to improve representation by reaching both urban and rural communities, including partnerships with local Health Guides to reach underrepresented, lower socioeconomic areas. The poster also addressed challenges such as participant drop-out and highlighted actions taken to support ongoing engagement. There was a lot of interest in the poster, with stimulating discussions around the study's approach and lessons learned.

Laura presented a poster showing how people’s own ratings of their sleep quality relate to their thinking skills and to certain Alzheimer’s disease markers in the blood, using data from the REAL AD study. People who reported poorer sleep and who took longer to fall asleep tended to perform worse on the Neotiv digital memory and thinking tests. Poorer sleep efficiency was also linked to higher blood levels of proteins associated with brain changes in Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions. The study also found differences between men and women, with reduced sleep efficiency having a stronger effect on thinking skills in women, while in men, poorer sleep quality was more strongly linked to higher p-tau217 levels. These results suggest that disrupted sleep may affect both brain health and memory, and that the effects may differ for men and women, highlighting the importance of good sleep for healthy ageing and for lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. 

AAIC 2025 showed that the future of Alzheimer’s research is increasingly digital, global, and inclusive. Whether through a simple blood test done at home, an AI tool that helps doctors spot early symptoms, or wearable devices that support safety, new innovations are offering hope for earlier detection and more personalised care. 
 
We are deeply thankful for your continued participation in our research. Together, we are part of something much bigger, shaping the future of Alzheimer’s care and understanding. 

AAIC 2025: What’s New in Alzheimer’s Research? 

The REAL AD study was proud to take part in the AD RIDDLE consortium’s annual General Assembly meeting, held in London from June 9 to 11 and hosted by Imperial College. This event brought together the entire AD RIDDLE consortium—leading researchers, clinicians, and partners from across Europe—to share progress, exchange ideas, and shape the future of dementia research. More on AD RIDDLE and REAL AD’s role below.

What is AD RIDDLE?
The AD RIDDLE consortium (Alzheimer’s Disease: Real World Implementation, Deployment, and Validation of Early Detection Tools and Lifestyle Enhancement) is a pioneering European initiative aimed at transforming how Alzheimer’s disease is detected, prevented, and managed across healthcare systems. It brings together 24 international academic and industry partners, healthcare providers, regulatory bodies, and patient organisations, combining world-class expertise in research, clinical care, diagnostics, and advanced data analytics. Read more on AD RIDDLE here.

Mission and vision
AD RIDDLE is developing a user-friendly, modular toolbox that integrates digital cognitive assessments, blood-based biomarkers, and decision-support algorithms to enable earlier diagnosis and targeted intervention. Its flexible design supports adoption across diverse healthcare systems and advances research into cost-effective therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.

Why is the REAL AD study part of the AD RIDDLE consortium?
Being part of the consortium enables collaboration with leading experts across Europe while ensuring a diverse and representative participant sample. This enhances the scientific foundation and allows findings to be validated across different settings.

REAL AD also benefits from increased visibility among policymakers. For example, AD RIDDLE was recently represented at the Alzheimer Europe lunch debate at the European Parliament on June 3, 2025, helping influence dementia policy at a continental level. Read more here.

REAL AD participants in the AD RIDDLE Advisory Board
Public involvement is central to AD RIDDLE’s goals, especially since its tools are intended for real-world use. To include wider perspectives, national Advisory Boards involve members from outside the academic and clinical communities.

Nearly a year ago, REAL AD participants were invited to join the Swedish Advisory Board, and the response was outstanding—REAL AD participants now form the majority.

A heartfelt thank you to our Advisory Board members from REAL AD. Your insights help shape how the project communicates its work and ensures the tools and findings remain relevant, understandable, and accessible to the people most affected.

Highlights from the General Assembly meeting
From June 9 to 11, the annual General Assembly took place in London, hosted by Imperial College. The full project team gathered to assess progress and plan future directions. We were proud to see active contributions from the REAL AD team. Michael Schöll (study lead) participated in a panel on Communities of Practice, where different sites shared insights and challenges. Iris Bosch (project manager) presented updates from the Gothenburg site, which was met with great enthusiasm thanks to high participant engagement.

We deeply appreciate all our participants—your continued involvement drives the impact of our work and helps move dementia research forward.

REAL AD at the AD RIDDLE General Assembly in London

On April 22, exactly one year after the launch of the REAL AD study, we came together to highlight and celebrate a fantastic year with our participants. Over 6,000 people have registered for the study – something we are deeply grateful for.

For those who couldn't attend live, or who would like to revisit the event, the full recording (in Swedish) is now available here. We hope you enjoy watching the program!

Thank you for your engagement in REAL AD – together we make a difference.

REAL AD Day 2025 – Full recording available now

REAL AD-dagen

The one-year anniversary of the REAL AD study was a memorable and much-appreciated afternoon. We invited our participants to celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together during this first year and to extend a warm and heartfelt thank you for your invaluable commitment.

The day featured presentations on the latest research developments, updates on the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, and insights into how lifestyle can influence risk. It was a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the research – where you, our participants, play a central role.

In addition to the inspiring lectures, there was time to mingle and connect with our research team, as well as with representatives from the Alzheimer’s Foundation, Alzheimer’s Guide, and Närhälsan – all of whom play key roles in raising awareness and improving care for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

One of the highlights of the day was the musical program, which brought joy and a strong sense of community – exactly the atmosphere we hoped to create together with you.
Above all, the day was about celebrating you, our participants. Without your involvement, this study would not be possible. We are deeply grateful.

We look forward to continuing this journey together and will keep you informed about the next steps in the study. A recording of the day will also be made available here on the website shortly.

Thank you for your commitment and invaluable support – together, we are making a difference!

REAL AD Day - A year of progress and community

Follow REAL AD Day live here on April 22nd between 15:30 and 17:30 (in Swedish)!

Missed the live broadcast? No worries – a recording will be available here afterwards.

Watch the REAL AD Day on April 22nd live here!

We are incredibly grateful for the great engagement in the REAL AD study! Since its launch in April 2024, we have welcomed 6,175 participants within just 10 months. The study now moves on to the next phase following a successful recruitment period.

For our existing participants – your contribution is more important than ever!

Have you completed all the steps in the first study phase? Existing participants are still warmly welcome to complete these steps over the coming months.

🟥 Step 1: Have you answered the questions?
Log in to the study platform.

🟥 Step 2: Have you completed the cognitive tests?
Log in to the platform or contact us at info@realad.se if you need support.

🟥 Step 3: Have you taken your first blood sample?
Book an appointment at any healthcare center within VGR Närhälsan.

If you have completed all three steps – stay tuned! You will receive an invitation to the next study phase approximately 18 months after you started your participation. We truly hope you want to continue being part of the study.

A huge thank you for helping us in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Do you have questions or are unsure whether you have completed all the steps? Contact the study team at info@realad.se or call us at +46(0)10-435 80 60 during our phone hours.

REAL AD moves into the next phase – The study continues with existing participants

The Research Day, a joint initiative by the Sahlgrenska Academy and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, brought together employees from both organizations, along with other interested participants from the Västra Götaland region. This year’s edition also marked the 10-year anniversary. Over the past decade, this event has grown into a key platform for sharing groundbreaking research and fostering collaborations across Sahlgrenska Academy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and the wider VGR region. 

One of the day's highlights was a session focused on dementia and early diagnostics – from primary care to hospital settings – where the REAL AD study took center stage. Presentations covered topics ranging from the current diagnostic process for Alzheimer's disease in Sweden to the latest advancements in blood-tests, an innovation that has transformed Alzheimer’s research. Building on this foundation, Professor and study lead Michael Schöll provided an insightful review of the REAL AD study, its objectives, and its significance for future research and healthcare. The session concluded with Ann Ekberg Jansson, Regional Head of Research and Development for Västra Götaland (VGR), highlighting the region’s perspective on the study and what can already be learned from designing and implementing such an innovative and large-scale project. 

The presentations were met with great enthusiasm, and we at the REAL AD study are proud and grateful for the opportunity to showcase our work and share our progress with colleagues across the region. Research Day once again highlighted the power of collaboration—not just within Västra Götaland, but also in driving international research forward. 

REAL AD Study – Highlight at Sahlgrenska’s Research Day 2025 

We hope you have had a great start to the year! Here at the REAL AD study, we are delighted to kick off 2025 with a big achievement: we have now surpassed 6,000 participants! This incredible milestone would not have been possible without your dedication. Most excitingly, over 2,500 blood samples—the cornerstone of our study—have been collected.

We want to express our gratitude to all our participants and those supporting the study. Your commitment is driving important advancements in Alzheimer's research.

We look forward to keeping you updated on the study’s progress. Thank you for being a part of this important journey! From now on, those who are interested can find a new post every two weeks, either here on the "Study" tab or under the "Alzheimer Research" tab. Stay tuned!

Exciting milestone reached in the REAL AD study!

As the year draws to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported and helped make REAL-AD a reality — from our participants to funding bodies and beyond. Your support has been truly invaluable.

We look forward to what 2025 has in store for us and cannot wait to share the exciting things we’re working on with you. From all of us at the REAL-AD team, we wish you a joyful Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Uppdateringar och en hälsning från studieledningen.

Hösthälsning från REAL AD / Autumn greeting from REAL AD

At the CTAD (Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease) conference in Madrid, held from October 29 to November 1, 2024, the study leader, Professor Michael Schöll, presented the first results from the REAL AD study.

Professor Schöll introduced the study to the scientific community and shared insights into the study's progress, including the very first results such as demographic data from the research group and the initial outcomes from cognitive tests. In just 6 months, the study has successfully recruited over 5,000 participants. We are extremely grateful for the invaluable contribution of all our participants. The presentation was well-received by researchers and experts in the field and marked an important milestone in the study's development.

Data is continuously being collected and will lead to more detailed analyses in 2025. Once the first results are published, we will be happy to share the article with you here.

First Results from the REAL AD Study Presented at the CTAD Conference in Madrid

On Wednesday, October 23rd, we organized a webinar for REAL AD participants with Professor Miia Kivipelto, a world-renowned researcher at Karolinska Institutet and a leader in dementia prevention research. We discussed with Miia what can be done to maintain brain health, as well as a major European research study in which the REAL AD team collaborates with Miia’s team.

You can access the recording via the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@REALAD24/videos

Webinar with Professor Miia Kivipelto for REAL AD participants

Today, Michael and the team at Närhälsan Älvängen appeared on TV4 Nyheterna to talk about the study.

Watch the clip to learn more about blood tests for Alzheimer's disease why the REAL AD study is so important right now.

Professors Kaj Blennow and Henrik Zetterberg tell us more about their roles in the study

REAL AD - Kaj och Henrik

Göteborgs-Posten has published an article about the study, with an interview with the study leader Professor Michael Schöll. Read the article here (in Swedish).

Today we launch the REAL AD study!!! After years of preparation, we are now welcoming participants and hope that many will join us!

Here, professor Michael Schöll, one of the researchers behind the study, welcomes you to REAL AD (video in Swedish):

Välkommen till REAL AD-studien!

Click here to listen to P4 Halland's radio interview with Professor Kaj Blennow, one of the researchers behind the REAL AD study.

Prof. Kaj Blennow explains how a simple blood test has great potential for early detection of Alzheimer's disease. This method is now being tested on a large scale in the REAL AD study. 

Even those who live in the Halland region but can get to one of Närhälsan's healthcare centres in Västra Götaland are warmly welcomed to the REAL AD study!  

Radio interview about the REAL AD study with professor Kaj Blennow

Läkemedelsvärlden published an interview today with Professor Michael Schöll. The article discusses, among other things, why the study is so relevant today and its details. Click here to read the article (in Swedish).

Professor Michael Schöll interviewed by Läkemedelsvärlden about the REAL AD study

Read about the latest developments in the REAL AD study and other breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research.

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