The dementia community gathered at San Diego Oasis at Rancho Bernardo on August 1, 2026, to have their questions answered in-person at Date with a Cure 2026 by experts working to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. A big thank you to Marcella Lee from CBS 8 for her incredible moderating skills and the researchers who offered their expertise: Dr. Paul Aisen, Dr. James Brewer, Dr. Hector M. González, and Dr. Jerold Chun. We also appreciate the support from Dr. Paulette Cazares, one of the researchers who unfortunately could not make it to the event. Read more about each of the panelists here.
The researchers kicked off the event with an uplifting report on progress being made to find a cure. “These are really exciting times in Alzheimer’s disease research,” Dr. Paul Aisen said, “Many of the panelists here have been working on this for decades and it’s only in the last few years that we have seen dramatic success.”
Key Takeaways from the Researchers
Medications
There are two FDA proved drugs that have shown to slow the disease down by up to 30%
Lecanemab (Leqembi) and Donanemab (Kisunla)
These medications are for the early stage of the disease
All medications have risks – DON’T rush into anything without first consulting your doctor
Blood Biomarkers
Blood-based biomarkers are becoming highly accurate
Researchers are discovering newer and more sensitive biomarkers
Data is being compiled from a longitudinal study that started in 2010 on biomarkers
Blood tests are now covered by Medicare!
Make Your Brain as Resilient as Possible
There are things you can do to help your brain and body stay healthy and strong:
A good diet (mediterranean diet for example)
Exercise
Cognitive activity (learning a new language)
Maintaining social connections
Watching blood pressure and blood sugar
Getting a good night of sleep
Starting these habits early is important
Early Detection
Researchers now know exactly what triggers this disease on a molecular level
Blood tests can detect the earliest changes that can indicate this disease about 15 or 20 years before symptoms start
It turns out that dementia is brewing in the brain for many years before you are aware of it
Although we have made lots of progress, it will still take about 10 years to get to full primary prevention
Exciting Clinical Trials
There are currently clinical trials for all stages of the disease
Prevention-focused trials are essential to learning about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
Consider joining APT Webstudy to help researchers gather more data
A new direction: researchers are studying the role of the mitochondria in cells
Women’s Brain Health
Women have a higher prevalence of dementia compared to men and current studies are looking at other differences between genders
UCSD is researching the connection between Alzheimer’s and menopause
Researchers are studying hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and dementia
Taking estrogen does NOT help or prevent dementia
There is NO evidence that estrogen or progesterone treats dementia
Misinformation
There is a lot of misinformation on medications and “cures” that you should be wary of
Unfortunately people knowingly take advantage of vulnerable people worried about this disease
There is no cure to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
Heavy exposure to carbon dioxide does NOT remove amyloid proteins in the brain
Ketogenic diet is not a treatment/preventative treatment for dementia
Creatine, fish oil, any other supplement, or time in a sauna are NOT treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
Thank you to all of the people who submitted their thoughtful questions. If you would like more information on any of the topics discussed during Date With A Cure 2026, watch the forum recording below or reach out to us today at 858.492.4400 to speak with one of our Dementia Care Coaches who are here to help San Diego County residents and/or those caring for someone living in San Diego County (Spanish speakers available). You can also view our clinical trials page and clinicaltrials.gov to find trial opportunities in San Diego.