Portuguese Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases hosts international scientific congress

The Portuguese Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases (IPDN) held its first International Scientific Congress, titled “Science, Care and Future,” in Cascais. The event brought together researchers, medical professionals, caregivers, and policymakers to discuss dementias, Parkinsonism, and motor neuron diseases.

Discussions focused on the need to better integrate basic research, clinical practice, and social support to address the rising prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions. In Portugal, dementia cases are projected to rise from approximately 238,000 in 2025 to nearly 368,000 by 2050. Globally, dementia cases are estimated to reach 153 million by 2050.

While current treatments primarily manage symptoms rather than halting disease progression, advancements in biomarkers are improving diagnostic precision. Researchers, including those from the University of Algarve, are developing new tests to detect pathological proteins in Parkinson’s disease years before motor symptoms appear, moving toward earlier and more objective biological diagnoses.