ALFA10

The ALFA cohort, promoted with the support of the ”la Caixa” Foundation, is one of the most important international cohorts for studying the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The ALFA10 study is its continuation and marks a new phase of research focused on the development and validation a predictive algorithm capable of estimating the risk of developing Alzheimer's based on clinical, biological, and cognitive data.

ALFA10 further strengthens the long-term follow-up of the individuals who make up the ALFA cohort. It includes a new round of assessments and sample collection, enabling comparison of clinical, biological, and cognitive data obtained at two different time points, approximately fifteen years after the cohort was initiated. This longitudinal approach will make it possible to identify meaningful changes, describe patterns of progression, and improve the characterisation of the preclinical phases of Alzheimer’s disease.

The integration of more precise technologies, more sensitive tests, and innovative biomarkers—together with analysis of the dataset accumulated over years—will support the development and validation of a predictive algorithm designed to estimate the risk of developing the disease. This approach aims, in the future, to facilitate the definition of action protocols for individuals with higher-risk profiles and to contribute to prevention strategies and earlier detection.

ALFA10 also includes a digital and remote monitoring system using technological tools to track changes in cognitive function and other indicators in a more continuous and efficient way. This strengthens the study’s capacity to detect subtle variations over time.

Overall, ALFA10 consolidates an advanced research infrastructure for the longitudinal follow-up of populations at risk of cognitive decline, with the aim of improving prediction, early detection, and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

This project is supported by the Department of Health.