An authority on Alzheimer's disease presents a history of past failures and a roadmap for future research toward a cure. Despite decades of effort from top medical scientists, significant breakthroughs have stagnated since the 1990s. Neurobiologist Karl Herrup explains why these early discoveries didn't lead to a cure and outlines a new direction for research. He offers an insider's perspective on the overlooked red flags and the factors—such as stubbornness, greed, and misguided advice—that have hindered progress. However, Herrup's message remains largely optimistic. He proposes a redefinition of Alzheimer's and a fresh view of aging and dementia, envisioning the brain as interconnected "neighborhoods." He advocates for comprehensive changes in the Alzheimer's research landscape, addressing aspects from drug development to support for basic research and the role of scientific media. With this work, Herrup aims to guide us toward a renewed and effective approach in our quest for a cure for Alzheimer's disease.
