Neurology & Brain Disorders Clinical Trials Update: Week 19, 2026

Published May 8, 2026 — 5 trials covered

By Victor Lafforgue, Founder of TrialsAlert. Blog posts are AI-drafted from ClinicalTrials.gov source data and reviewed by the editorial team. See our editorial policy for details.

Donanemab (LY3002813) Trial in Chinese Participants With Cognitively Unimpaired (Preclinical) Alzheimer's Disease

This Phase 3 trial is testing donanemab, an intravenous drug, in Chinese people who do not yet show symptoms but are at risk for Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to see if donanemab can slow down the thinking and daily functioning decline that often comes with early Alzheimer's. If successful, this drug could become a new option to help delay or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's in people before symptoms start.

A Study to Learn About Salanersen's (BIIB115) Effects on Movement and Its Safety When Given Before Symptoms Appear in Babies With Genetically Diagnosed Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

This Phase 3 trial is studying salanersen, a medicine given by injection, in babies diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy before they show any symptoms. The hope is that salanersen can reduce or prevent muscle weakness and movement problems caused by this genetic condition. For families affected by SMA, this study offers hope that early treatment might improve motor skills and quality of life for their children.

DORA and LP in Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers

This Phase 2 trial is exploring whether the sleep aid lemborexant can lower key proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease in the blood. By recruiting people with Alzheimer’s, the study aims to find out if improving sleep can slow disease progression through a simple pill. This research could open new ways to treat Alzheimer’s by targeting underlying disease processes rather than just symptoms.

Safety and Immunogenicity of Repeated Doses of ABvac40 in Patients With a-MCI or Vm-AD

This Phase 2 study tested ABvac40, an active vaccine, in people with mild cognitive impairment or very mild Alzheimer’s disease across Europe. The research focused on whether the vaccine is safe and if it triggers the body’s immune system to respond against a protein involved in Alzheimer’s. The results, now available, may help guide future treatments aimed at slowing or preventing Alzheimer’s progression.

Aβ Dynamics in LLMD

This Phase 4 trial is studying the antidepressant escitalopram in people with major depressive disorder to see if it changes markers related to Alzheimer’s disease in the brain. Treating depression effectively might reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by normalizing these brain markers. The study is currently recruiting participants and may provide insights on how mental health treatments can support brain health in the long term.

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