RESEARCH UNIT
At the Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, we launch research projects to advance our understanding of dementia and find effective treatments that can improve the quality of life of the people affected by it.
Our proven track record has consolidated our position as a national and international benchmark, both for the number of clinical trials that we’ve carried out and for having the largest bank for Alzheimer’s disease genetic samples in Europe.
The main objective of this unit is to advance knowledge of dementia through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, as well as to open new avenues for the treatment of dementia.
Our genomics research program focuses on studying the genetic and molecular factors that influence the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
The main objective is to identify the causes of these diseases through the analysis of genetic data and other types of biomedical information (omics). This makes it possible to study specific genetic variations that may increase the risk of developing dementia.
Research is also conducted on how these genes may affect the brain, particularly in processes such as memory and cognition.
An internationally recognized genetic biobank
At Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, there is one of the largest genetic biobanks in the world specializing in dementia, with more than 20,000 biological samples collected. This resource makes it possible to advance research and contribute to the prevention and early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.
This project, funded by the European JPND (Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research) program, is led by Dr. Alfredo Ramirez (University of Cologne). From Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, we are contributing 1,000 genetic samples as part of an international initiative that will gather more than 6,000 samples to investigate the genetic factors that cause Alzheimer’s before the age of 65.
The GADIR project combines genetics and digital neuropathology to advance research on dementias such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. More than 3,500 brains donated in Spain and Portugal will be analyzed, with the aim of creating a digital repository and a genetic database. This information will help identify specific genetic and molecular profiles, enabling healthcare professionals to better inform patients about risks, treatment options, and participation in clinical trials. Additionally, these data will be available to researchers worldwide, fostering international scientific collaboration.
This project studies progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurodegenerative disease. At Ace, we participate through genetic, cellular, and molecular analysis, with the aim of identifying the factors involved and contributing to the development of new treatments. One of the most notable advances has been the discovery of the role of the NFASC protein, published by Dr. Pablo.
The PPI evaluates the beneficial effects of cognitive stimulation in people with mild dementia. To date, more than 1,800 individuals have participated in the program.
Characterising Alzheimer’s disease in genetically admixed populations using integrated multi-omics data.
Obra Social la Caixa, Grifols, Instituto de Salud Carlos III & Fundació ACE. El projecte GR@ACE és un estudi de genètica humana que té per objectiu descobrir nous gens que provoquen l’Alzheimer i usar aquesta informació per proposar nous tractaments per combatre la malaltia.
Genes4all, a través de tecnologia i aprenentatge ludificat, ofereix accés a informació genètica rellevant tant per a pacients com famílies i cuidadors. El projecte europeu Genes4All, en el qual Ace participa, cerca revolucionar l’educació genètica de malalties neurodegeneratives com l’Alzheimer
Obra Social la Caixa, Grifols, Instituto de Salud Carlos III & Fundació ACE. El projecte GR@ACE és un estudi de genètica humana que té per objectiu descobrir nous gens que provoquen l’Alzheimer i usar aquesta informació per proposar nous tractaments per combatre la malaltia.
This project is part of an initiative led by an international consortium in which Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona participates, aimed at discovering new biomarkers and therapeutic targets that will contribute to improving early detection and the development of new treatment strategies.
To create a global strategy to identify Alzheimer’s disease cases in prodromal and preclinical stages through a nationwide web platform that progressively integrates precision medicine techniques into diagnostic algorithms, with the participation of 14 memory clinics from 8 regions of Spain.
At the Ace Alzheimer Center, we use biological samples to obtain proteomic, lipidomic, and metabolomic information on the different stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
We focus on the identification and validation of biomarkers that can detect the disease before the onset of clear clinical symptoms. We also study the molecular pathways involved in its development.
To delve deeper into the origin of the disease, we conduct studies in animal and cellular models that help us resolve molecular mysteries that remain unknown.
Our goal is clear: to develop early diagnostic methods and monitoring tools that allow us to personalize treatments and monitor each person’s therapeutic response.
We work closely with other departments to translate scientific discoveries into clinical solutions that improve the quality of life for affected individuals.
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El projecte BIOPEXAL estudia el potencial dels exosomes plasmàtics com a biomarcadors no invasius, per avaluar si aquests poden ser una eina de diagnòstic precoç i mètode de detecció primari d’Alzheimer
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Under the responsibility of Dr. Sergi Valero, the artificial intelligence program has the general objective of optimizing clinical and research procedures in the field of dementias, through the development and application of advanced computational models.
Based on the integrated analysis of clinical, neuropsychological, biomarker, and digital data sources, the program drives the creation of digital assessment tools, decision support strategies, and predictive systems for the early detection and monitoring of our patients’ clinical progression.
The ScreenIA project aims to develop and validate a clinical decision support system for the early detection of preclinical stages of dementia using artificial intelligence techniques. The proposal is based on the integration of digital cognitive markers and voice biomarkers (semantic and paralinguistic) as accessible, non-invasive, and scalable tools for identifying subtle changes before the onset of clinical symptoms.
Projecte multicèntric europeu liderat pel Centre de Recerca – Universitat del Pireu, dedicat a la predicció, monitorització i recomanacions personalitzades per a la prevenció i alleugeriment de la demència i la fragilitat.
Té com a objectiu establir un marc paneuropeu per a oferir solucions de prevenció i monitoratge, posant èmfasi en enfocaments comunitaris, integrats i centrats en la persona.
Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona lidera un objectiu específic dins del projecte: el desenvolupament d’estratègies d’estimulació cognitiva en persones amb deteriorament cognitiu lleu (MCI) i demència lleu, amb seguiment clínic de dos anys i anàlisi de biomarcadors.
El projecte combina dades retrospectives i digitals per personalitzar intervencions i avaluar-ne l’eficàcia.
Improve the quality of life of people who want to carry out a memory review through a rapid, non-invasive, painless test that they can do from home.
The aim of the PreTAD project is to comprehensively analyze the implications of predictive medicine in Alzheimer’s disease, addressing the ethical, clinical, linguistic, and legal dimensions. The study seeks to understand people’s needs, their expectations, and their decision-making criteria regarding predictive testing, as well as the social and healthcare impacts of this paradigm shift.
The Tartaglia Project aims to boost clinical research through artificial intelligence applied to real patient data, improving diagnosis, prognosis, and quality of life in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, and complex chronic conditions.
At Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, we are advancing our Clinical Research Program, led by Dr. Marta Marquié. The main objective is the research of clinical and cognitive data from individuals with varying degrees of cognitive impairment, with a special interest in brain and retinal neuroimaging as biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease.
We are responsible for the inclusion, management, and exploitation of data from clinical research cohorts, as well as the acquisition, analysis, and management of neuroimaging and neuropathology data, with a significant volume of studies, such as:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): more than 10,000 scans
- Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): more than 2,900 images
- Amyloid PET: 676 images
- Tau PET: 74 images
- Neuropathological analysis: 152 samples
This work makes it possible to generate valuable knowledge to better understand the mechanisms of dementia and contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
The program maintains active collaborations with research consortia, academic institutions, and private companies, both nationally and internationally. Among its collaborators are:
- The Xarxa Catalana de Demències d’Inici Primerenc
- The HUB Alzheimer Center Barcelona
- Amyloid Biomarker Study Group
- CPAD Consortium
- European DLB Consortium
- The Fundación CIEN
- The Universidad Complutense de Madrid
- Companies such as Life Molecular Imaging, Roche, Lilly i Araclon
At Ace, we firmly believe that shared research is the key to moving forward, and that’s why we work with commitment and responsibility to improve the future of our users and their families.
Cross-sectional, single-arm Phase II clinical trial using [18F] fluorodeprenyl-D2 PET in individuals at different stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
The International Registry of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias (InRAD): an international observational study dedicated to the evaluation of outcomes data in Alzheimer’s disease.
Este proyecto se basa en el diseño de test de diagnóstico rápido mediante la detección de EVs, para facilitar el acceso a los cribados de pacientes con EA en los contextos sociodemográficos más desfavorecidos, así como centros de atención primaria y hospitales.
És un assaig clínic (EUDRA-CT 2021-000473-83) derivat de l’estudi FACEHBI i iniciat l’any 2021. Va consistir en la realització de neuroimatge amb tau-PET en un subgrup de participants de FACEHBI amb els traçadors PI2620 i RO948, per a avaluar el dipòsit cerebral de tau en les etapes precoces de la Mal. Alzheimer.
Va estar financiat per Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Roche i Life Molecular Imaging.
És un projecte unicèntric realitzat a Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona i iniciat l’any 2014. Els seus objectius són analitzar el potencial de la imatge retiniana mitjançant Tomografia per Coherència Òptica (OCT) com a biomarcador de la Mal. Alzheimer i investigar les relacions del gruix i la càrrega vascular de la retina amb la cognició i altres biomarcadors com la MRI cerebral, el PET-amiloide i el LCR. Finalitzat el reclutament l’any 2021, s’han realitzat més de 10.000 imatges retinianes amb dos dispositius OCT (Maestro i Triton, TopCon, Japan) en indivius cognitivament sans, amb deteriorament cognitiu lleu i diversos tipus de demència. L’estudi ha estat financiat per Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Marie Sklodowska postdoctoral fellowship (Horizon 2020) i AES PI19/00335.
És projecte unicèntric realitzat a Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona i iniciat l’any 2014, que consisteix en el seguiment longitudinal d’una cohort de 200 individus amb Deteriorament Cognitiu Subjectiu, per a l’estudi de variables clíniques, cognitives i biològiques relacionades amb el dipòsit cerebral d’amiloide i la conversió a deteriorament cognitiu lleu.
El principal biomarcador de FACEHBI és el PET-amiloide, junt amb RM cerebral, plasma, LCR i femptes. Les visites clíniques (visita basal + vuit seguiments anuals) van finalitzar a l’octubre de 2024, amb 137 participants actius.
L’estudi ha estat financiat per Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Life Molecular Imaging, Grifols, Araclon i Laboratorios Echevarne.
Aquest nou estudi retrospectiu, iniciat el 2024, analitza dades de 800 pacients amb amiloidosi al LCR avaluats al nostre centre.
En col·laboració amb la farmacèutica Lilly, volem estimar l’impacte que tindria una reducció del 30% en la progressió de la malaltia (simulant l’efecte d’un fàrmac antiamiloide) en aspectes com: despeses sanitàries, ús de recursos, comorbiditats, nivell de dependència, necessitat d’atenció, càrrega sobre el sistema de salut i mortalitat.
És un projecte europeu multicèntric centrat en la neuroimatge de PET-amiloide en pacients sense demència, amb l’objectiu de millorar el diagnòstic i maneig de les fases precoces la Mal. Alzheimer. Ace es va incorporar a AMYPAD l’any 2020 dins del subestudi AMYPAD-PNHS (Prognostic and Natural History Study) amb dades de les cohorts FACEHBI i EPAD.
At Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, we have been actively involved in clinical studies for over 25 years to advance knowledge and treatment of dementia.
We are part of projects that cover all stages of the disease, from preclinical phases—when symptoms have not yet appeared—to more advanced stages.
There is a strong belief that only through research can the way care is provided, support is offered, and real opportunities are created for those affected be transformed.
Participating in these studies makes it possible to remain at the forefront of medical advances and ensures that the team is prepared to apply the most innovative treatments as soon as they become available.
To participate, simply register by calling 93 430 47 20
L’objectiu principal del projecte és desenvolupar i validar una metodologia innovadora basada en mostres de sang seca que permeti realitzar el diagnòstic precoç i l’avaluació del risc de la malaltia d’Alzheimer de manera remota, senzilla i accessible, mitjançant l’anàlisi de biomarcadors i factors genètics, afavorint una detecció precoç i una medicina més personalitzada.
What if part of the key to slowing Alzheimer’s disease were found not only in the brain, but also in the blood? This study aims to explore precisely that idea: understanding how therapeutic apheresis, a procedure that “renews” a patient’s plasma, could influence the progression of cognitive decline.
A new study led by Ace Alzheimer Center aims to determine whether, in addition to improving certain symptoms, the standard treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine) can also influence spontaneous speech, and whether technology can measure these changes in a more sensitive, objective, and accessible way.
The main objective of this study is to analyze the prevalence of polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy in adults with cognitive impairment seen in a Memory Unit, as well as to identify associated clinical and demographic factors, including age, sex, cognitive status, and comorbidities.
At Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, social research is an essential part of our commitment to people living with cognitive impairment or dementia.
Our goal is to analyze the factors that influence care and well-being for those affected, as well as for their family and social environment. The aim is to understand which factors contribute to a better quality of life and which, on the contrary, make it more difficult.
We research to listen, understand, and act. Care goes beyond clinical attention. For this reason, research initiatives are promoted that focus on the daily lives of caregivers—often unseen, yet essential.
Estudis de recerca des de Treball Social
Actualment, estem duent a terme diversos estudis orientats a millorar el suport a les persones cuidadores:
Aquest enfocament, basat en criteris de qualitat i en l’anàlisi de l’evidència, orienta la nostra activitat amb una perspectiva professional i aplicada. En l’àmbit del treball social, la recerca social té per objecte analitzar els factors psicosocials, culturals i relacionals associats al procés de la demència i desenvolupar estratègies d’intervenció que contribueixin a preservar el benestar i l’autonomia de les persones afectades i de les seves famílies.
Fundació ACE. Aquest estudi analitza les variables associades a la cura de persones amb deteriorament cognitiu o demència per descobrir aquelles que afavoreixen o dificulten tant el benestar de la persona cuidada com del seu entorn més proper.