Kaj Blennow awarded for outstanding Alzheimer’s research

Kaj Blennow is one of the leaders of a successful research group at the University of Gothenburg, which has been instrumental in developing biomarkers that enable early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. He has developed methods to measure biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples. These methods have transformed how the disease is diagnosed. 

Thanks to this research, Alzheimer’s disease can now be identified before the brain has suffered significant damage. This enables earlier treatment. 

“When we started our research, very little was known about the biological processes behind Alzheimer’s disease. Now, we have methods that allow us to detect the disease long before symptoms become evident. This is an important prerequisite for effective treatment,” says Kaj Blennow. 

Better treatment 

Over the past decades, Blennow and his research group have developed and validated methods to measure proteins that change in Alzheimer’s disease, particularly tau and beta-amyloid. These biomarkers are now used worldwide in both research and clinical diagnostics. Recently, blood-based tests have been developed, making diagnostics more accessible and possible to perform in primary care. 

“Biomarkers make it possible not only to establish a reliable diagnosis but also to track disease progression and evaluate the effects of new treatments,” says Kaj Blennow. 

One of the most promising advances in Alzheimer’s treatment is the drug Lecanemab, where Blennow’s work with biomarkers has played a crucial role. 

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“Our biomarker studies have helped identify the right patients for treatment, increasing the effectiveness of these drugs. This award is a confirmation that our work makes a difference. Previously, we could only alleviate symptoms, but now there is an opportunity to influence the disease process,” says Blennow. 

An annual award 

The prize is awarded by the American Rainwater Charitable Foundation and includes a prize sum of $400,000. The official award ceremony will take place at the Tau Global Conference in London in April 2025. 

The Rainwater Prize is awarded annually to recognize researchers who contribute to breakthroughs in neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on conditions where the tau protein plays a key role. Kaj Blennow is receiving the award for his long-standing and influential research, which has laid the foundation for more precise diagnostics and new possibilities for treating Alzheimer’s disease.