Nanotechnology, cell reprogramming, and gene therapies were presented as the main avenues of research to curb the impact of neurodegenerative diseases on the second day of the Longevity World Forum, the global summit on aging, whose fourth edition is taking place from February 18 to 20, 2026, at La Nave (Madrid). The sessions also included several presentations on nutrition and cutting-edge nutritional supplements such as NAD+.

“Nanotechnology is already solving problems in neurodegenerative diseases,” stated Valle Palomo, director of the Biosensors in Neuroscience Laboratory at IMDEA Neuroscience. The chemist explained that one of the main challenges for drugs treating these diseases is the difficulty in reaching the brain because they cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. “Some nanotechnology-based solutions have already been presented to address this barrier and also to develop sensors that can diagnose these diseases early,” he explained.

NAD+ Precursors

On the other hand, Stephan Christen, a metabolomics researcher at Nestlé Research, presented a study published in the latest issue of Nature Metabolism on the impact of two weeks of supplementation with three NAD+ precursors in healthy adults. Christen also explained the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation, aging, and oxidative stress. “NAD molecules have an impact on multiple functions: energy metabolism, circadian rhythm, DNA repair, mitochondrial functions, and chronic inflammation,” he noted.

One of the most innovative supplementation formulas has been presented by Klok Longevity, which features the first NAD precursor in liquid gel form, combining six synergistic ingredients (calcium alpha-ketoglutarate, liposomal NAD, quercetin, L-arginine, resveratrol, and rhodiola). Meanwhile, Solgar® – Cellular Energy – NAD+ Precursor is an advanced formulation supplement with nicotinamide riboside chloride (NIAGEN®), an NAD+ precursor and source of niacin (vitamin B3), an essential nutrient that our cells need to produce energy and maintain an active metabolism. It also contains vitamins B12 and C.

Gene Therapy for Frailty and Alzheimer's

Cristina Sánchez Puelles, a researcher at Tetraneuron, presented a gene therapy for frailty and Alzheimer's, which is about to be used in patients. "We have already finished the preclinical studies and are in the patient recruitment phase," she pointed out. Regarding cell reprogramming, Jean-Marc Lemaitre, research director at INSERM and co-founder and co-director of the Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapies (IRMB), stated emphatically: "A single early reprogramming can prevent osteoarthritis in “Older age.”

On another note, Débora Bueno, director of the Longevity and Microbiota Unit at Olympia, part of the Quirón Salud Group, advocated for personalized recommendations for patients. “We must interpret what we see in the microbiota test in conjunction with the patient's medical history and lifestyle. Limiting the microbiota to the digestive system is only seeing the tip of the iceberg and its true role in health,” she commented.

This second day opened with a presentation by Pedro Ros, founder of SilverEconomy.com, who offered a global overview of consumption trends among those over 60 and the demographic evolution this age group has experienced in the last six decades. “Life expectancy has increased by more than 20 years since I've been around.” “Currently, there are more than 1.2 billion people over the age of 60, compared to 200 million in the 1960s,” he commented. He also highlighted the so-called “silver generation,” which represents 15% of the population but accounts for 27% of total consumption. “This age group, living in the most developed and wealthiest countries, spends more than four trillion dollars on goods and services.” In the case of health, those under 60 spend less than 9% of their budget in this sector, but from that age onward, the figure increases to 14%, mainly due to dental, vision, and hearing expenses,” she noted.

Longevity Startup Competition

The final day will focus on longevity entrepreneurship, with the first edition of a startup competition in which eight companies will present their pitches in elevator format. Two winners will be chosen: the Best Longevity Pitch Award and the Longevity Potential Award.

The sessions will be rounded out with a talk on longevity entrepreneurship by Leslie Kenny of Oxford Healthspan; and a panel discussion featuring Manuel Pérez Alonso, founding partner and scientific consultant of Mendel Brain; and Carolina Hernández, founder and CEO of Longevity.