Inserm has made Alzheimer’s disease one of its priorities. Each year, this neurodegenerative disorder, which results in progressive and permanent deterioration of the nerve cells, engages many teams in the development of new treatments.

One scientific approach states that this disease must be attacked at its earliest possible stage, even before the first symptoms appear, in patients who already have the biological signature—the so-called “asymptomatic” phase. This is currently the subject of several studies around the world. The INSIGHT study, of which Inserm is principal investigator, is particularly aimed at understanding why and how Alzheimer’s disease occurs in some subjects but not in others, and more importantly, at what time asymptomatic people (without memory loss but with amyloid plaque lesions) develop the disease. By identifying the key moment and factors that trigger this tipping point in the disease, the researchers hope to find appropriate treatments. Four hundred healthy volunteer subjects, aged 70-85 years, with normal memory function, will ultimately be recruited into this study. There are already approximately 200 participants, and the researchers hope to recruit new volunteers.

You will find an information pack on this disease in the Inserm press room.

There is also a dedicated website for the day, listing all the events planned in France.