The project led by Marta Barrachina from the

the Institute of Neuropathology at the University Hospital of Bellvitge and IDIBELL, has been selected to enter the CaixaImpulse

program, a unique initiative in Spain born with the aim of promoting the transformation of scientific knowledge in companies field of life sciences and health.

This project has identified a biomarker of disease in human postmortem brains of people with early stages of Alzheimer’s (asymptomatic and mild cognitive impairment). Currently, it holds its validation in blood of patients with mild cognitive impairment. Its development is important in the early detection of Alzheimer’s, which favor a quick intervention with medications available. This would facilitate the slowing of the disease, improving quality of life for patients and reduced costs for health systems and families. In addition, identification of patients with predisposition to the disease would be tested early drug therapies and facilitate the development of more effective drugs.

The program CaixaImpulse 15 initiatives selected among 41 submitted by various research centers and university hospitals. The projects belong to different communities of the State: Andalucia (1) Catalonia (11), Galicia (1) Madrid (1) and Navarre (1). All proposals are framed in the fields of life sciences and medical sciences and health, and want to bring innovations and products to treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s, brain damage, heart attacks, cardiovascular disorders, etc.