PAWS - Preventing Alzheimer’s Weekend Seminar

March 6-8, 2026 • Litchfield Park, Arizona

Preventing Alzheimer’s
Weekend Seminar.

An intimate, science-based weekend for proactive individuals dedicated to lifelong brain health. This one-of-a-kind experience offers direct interaction with world-class physicians and researchers and is strictly limited to 30 participants. Register now.

The Experience

Science-based tools for a resilient future.

Led by Jeremy Pruzin, MD, this small, intimate event is designed for those who want to move beyond headlines and understand the real science of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia prevention.

Leading expert clinicians and scientists will provide accessible education and actionable strategies. This isn't just a lecture series; it's a transformative weekend where you will gain direct access to world-class expertise.

  • Intimate Setting

    Limited to just 30 people to ensure personal connection.

  • Exceptional Dining

    All meals and cocktail hours included, fostering conversation.

Watch Introduction

Dr. Jeremy Pruzin

Click to hear about the seminar vision directly from the faculty.

The Context

The New Era of Dementia Prevention

As life expectancy rises and the Baby Boomer generation ages, dementia prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate. Many people fear this outcome, often after witnessing a loved one suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. While these fears are understandable, scientific advancements now provide the tools to take more control and significantly reduce dementia risk.

Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia

Addressing key modifiable risk factors could prevent up to about half of all dementia cases.
Hearing Loss High LDL Cholesterol Depression Traumatic Brain Injury Physical Inactivity Diabetes Smoking Hypertension Obesity Excessive Alcohol Use Social Isolation Air Pollution Visual Loss Lack of Sleep

Targeting these factors supports long-term brain health and cognitive vitality.

The FINGER Study

A landmark trial finding that a multidomain lifestyle intervention can improve brain health and prevent cognitive decline.

Lancet Commission Report

Findings from this influential report reveal that roughly 40–50% of dementia cases are preventable through attention to modifiable risk factors across the lifespan.

US POINTER Study

A landmark national trial led by the Alzheimer’s Association demonstrating that a practical, multidomain lifestyle program can preserve cognitive function.

Your Proactive Approach to Brain Health

Advances in research are rapidly transforming our understanding. Stay informed and make evidence-based choices to lower your risk and promote long-term cognitive vitality by joining this small-group weekend seminar led by experts at the forefront of Alzheimer’s research and care.

Join the Seminar
References to studies are provided for informational purposes only. These summaries do not imply endorsement, guarantee specific outcomes, or substitute for individualized medical assessment.

Curriculum

What You Will Learn

We address the most pressing questions in brain health with evidence, not hype.

Prevention Strategy

What can and should I be doing right now to significantly lower my future risk of dementia?

Diagnostics

Can I get a blood test for Alzheimer’s? What are the latest biomarkers for early detection?

Medications (GLP-1)

Does taking Ozempic or similar drugs lower my risk? What does the data say?

Genetics

Is Alzheimer’s genetic? How does inheritance work? What is amyloid and how does it build up?

Diet & Supplements

Which diets are protective? What is the evidence? Do supplements like Prevagen actually help?

Vascular Health

How does blood pressure relate to dementia risk? Why is midlife intervention critical?

Schedule

Seminar Agenda

* The Preventing Alzheimer’s Weekend Seminar is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Friday — Day 1

Foundation
5:00–5:10pm
Introduction
5:10–6:15pm
Alzheimer’s Disease vs. Dementia: Biology & Definitions

Dr. Pruzin

  • Difference between "Alzheimer’s" and "Dementia" (umbrella term)
  • Genetics: APOE ε4 vs. rare deterministic mutations
  • Amyloid biology: plaques, detection, and significance
  • Other dementias: Vascular, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal
6:15–6:35pm
Q&A with Dr. Pruzin
7:15–9:00pm
Dinner and Social Hour

Saturday — Day 2

Risk & Prevention
7:30–8:15am
Breakfast
8:30–9:00am
Modifiable Risk Factors: Intro & Overview

Dr. Tariot

A lifespan model of risk. Findings from Lancet, FINGER, and U.S. POINTER studies. Why midlife matters.

9:00–9:50am
Risk Factors Part 1: Education, Diet, Sleep, TBI

Dr. Pruzin

  • Cognitive reserve & education
  • Nutrition (Mediterranean, MIND diets)
  • Depression & mood disorders
  • Sleep's role in clearing amyloid
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI) effects
10:10–10:25am
Break
10:25–11:15am
Risk Factors Part 2: Vascular Health

Dr. Pruzin

Blood pressure (SPRINT trial), Diabetes, Smoking, Obesity. "What's good for the heart is good for the brain."

11:25–12:25pm
Lunch
12:25–1:15pm
Risk Factors Part 3: Lifestyle & Sensory

Dr. Pruzin & Alison Pietras, PA-C

Physical activity, Social interaction, Alcohol, Medications, Hearing & Vision loss.

1:15–2:05pm
Practical Strategies to Implement Change

Dr. Pruzin

Turning science into action. Monitoring progress with tools/trackers. Small, consistent steps.

2:35–3:25pm
Blood Tests for Alzheimer’s Disease

Dr. Ashton

Development and availability (ptau217, Aβ42/40). Early detection years before symptoms.

3:45–4:35pm
From Molecule to Medicine

Dr. Alexander

Phases of clinical development. Evaluating safety & efficacy.

4:35–5:15pm
Vitamins, Supplements & Unproven Protocols

Dr. Tariot

Evidence vs. hype. How to evaluate claims critically.

6:30–9:00pm
Cocktail Hour and Dinner

Sunday — Day 3

Future & Action
7:30–8:15am
Breakfast
8:30–9:30am
Current Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease

Dr. Pruzin & Alison Pietras, PA-C

Newly approved disease-modifying therapies, symptomatic treatments, and emerging pipeline.

9:45–10:35am
Current Care for Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Alison Pietras, PA-C

Navigating memory clinics, clinical trials, insurance, and the multidisciplinary team.

11:00–11:50am
Looking Forward: Prevention Strategies & The Future

Dr. Pruzin

Prevention trials, global strategies, and how individuals benefit today.

11:50–12:40pm
Participant Selected Topic

Dr. Pruzin

12:40–1:00pm
Closing Remarks

World-Class Expertise

Meet our Expert Faculty

Jeremy Pruzin

Jeremy Pruzin, MD

Lead Faculty • Neurologist • Researcher

Dr. Jeremy Pruzin is a board-certified neurologist specializing in cognitive and behavioral neurology, with a primary focus on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. He serves as an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, leads research efforts at the Banner Alzheimer's Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, and is a key advisor and clinician at the specialized neurology telehealth service Synapticure.

Education and Training

Dr. Pruzin earned his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University. He completed his neurology residency at Rush University Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in Cognitive & Behavioral Neurology at Harvard Medical School, with clinical training at Mass General Brigham.

VIEW DR. PRUZIN’S FULL PUBLICATION LIST
Pierre Tariot

Pierre Tariot, MD

Expert Faculty • Research Leader

Dr. Pierre N. Tariot is a renowned Alzheimer’s disease researcher, clinician, and leader in dementia care innovation. He earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed residencies in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin, becoming board-certified in Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Geriatric Psychiatry.

Groundbreaking Contributions

As the founding director of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and co-director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative, he has led groundbreaking efforts to advance prevention strategies and experimental therapies for Alzheimer’s. Dr. Tariot has served as Principal Investigator in over 50 clinical trials and authored more than 400 scientific publications, contributing to the development and FDA approval of Alzheimer’s treatments.

VIEW DR. TARIOT’S FULL PUBLICATION LIST

Guest Speakers

Meet the Expert Guest Speakers presenting at our Inaugural Seminar

Robert Alexander, MD

Psychiatrist & Neuroscientist

Dr. Robert Alexander is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist with decades of experience developing new treatments for brain disorders in the pharmaceutical industry.

  • Chief Scientific Officer, Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative
  • Research Professor of Psychiatry, University of Arizona
  • Oversees prevention trials & scientific strategy

Education

MD from University of Chicago. Residency at McLean Hospital/Harvard. Fellowships at NIMH and Columbia University.

Nicholas Ashton, PhD

Biomarker Pioneer

Dr. Nicholas Ashton is an internationally recognized researcher whose work helped create the first blood tests for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Senior Director, Biomarker Program, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute
  • Associate Professor, University of Gothenburg
  • Over 300 publications & multiple awards

Education

PhD from King’s College London. Contributed to advances in blood and CSF biomarkers in the Zetterberg group.

Alison Pietras, PA-C

Cognitive Neurology Clinician

Alison C. Pietras, PA-C, is a clinician-educator with extensive experience in landmark Alzheimer’s trials and real-world clinical implementation.

  • Current: Mount Sinai’s Dean Center
  • Prior: Brigham and Women’s, NYU Langone
  • Clinical Trials: A4/AHEAD, ADNI/DIAN, lecanemab

Education

BA from Smith College. MPAS from Franklin Pierce University. Extensive career in cognitive neurology trials.

Optional Add-On

One-on-One Individual Sessions

Six exclusive 90-minute sessions available with Dr. Jeremy Pruzin. These sessions are personalized based on a pre-event questionnaire covering your lifestyle, medical history, and goals.

  • Risk factor assessment
  • Deep dive into personalized strategies
  • Available Sunday afternoon or Monday (or remote)

* Sessions limited to 6 participants.

The Location

The Wigwam Resort

Litchfield Park, Arizona

Join us for an extraordinary weekend at the historic Wigwam Resort. A landmark of desert luxury since 1918, nestled among palm trees and glowing sunsets. It is the perfect backdrop for a transformative experience.

In addition to the educational content, your registration includes exceptional dining experiences, from cocktail hours to shared meals with the faculty, offering rare opportunities for personal connection.

What Your Registration Includes

Expertise

Two immersive days of science-based education led by Dr. Pruzin and elite faculty.

Dining

All meals included from Friday evening through Sunday lunch, plus cocktail hours.

Community

Access to the PACo community, quarterly newsletters, and webinars.

* Please note: Hotel accommodations are not included in the registration fee.

Preventing Alzheimer’s Community (PACo)

The weekend is just the beginning. Attendees receive ongoing benefits including quarterly newsletters, live webinar updates, and access to research opportunities.

Further Learning

Resources & Trials

The studies referenced are shared for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical recommendations or definitive prevention strategies. Individual outcomes may vary, and readers should seek guidance from qualified healthcare providers before making health decisions.

 

Trials and Studies of Interest

Click on each study below to learn about ongoing trials and observational studies, and to explore opportunities to join studies that are actively recruiting participants.