As global attention intensifies around neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and corticobasal degeneration (CBD), Mayo Clinic researchers are helping drive discoveries that could improve how these conditions are diagnosed and understood.

At the recent Tau Global Conference in Washington, D.C., Mayo Clinic researchers Dennis Dickson, M.D., and Melissa Murray, Ph.D., were recognized for their scientific contributions that have advanced research into tau-related neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by abnormal buildup of the tau protein in the brain.

Their work is connected to Mayo Clinic's Precure initiative, which aims to predict and prevent disease before symptoms appear.

A collaborative approach with global impact

Drs. Dickson and Murray lead research efforts that integrate neuropathology, neuroscience, biomarker discovery and digital pathology to better understand how neurodegenerative diseases develop and progress. Together, they lead the Mayo Clinic Brain Bank, one of the world's largest brain banks for neurological diseases, which supports research collaborations worldwide and houses more than 11,000 brain samples.

Their work has identified distinct patterns of tau in the brain — insights that are helping pave the way for earlier diagnosis, more precise disease staging and a clearer understanding of how these diseases progress over time. These advances are increasingly important as clinical trials explore targeted therapies for tau-related diseases.

Dr. Dickson, a professor of laboratory medicine and pathology and a consultant in the Department of Neuroscience at Mayo Clinic in Florida, is known for discoveries that have helped clarify the underlying pathology of FTD, Parkinsonian disorders and CBD. His work has contributed to more accurate diagnostic criteria and a deeper understanding of how tau-related diseases develop and progress. He leads Mayo Clinic's Neuropathology and Microscopy Laboratory.

Dr. Murray, a professor of neuroscience at Mayo Clinic in Florida, leads the Translational Neuropathology Laboratory, where her research combines digital pathology, advanced imaging and biomarker analysis to support earlier detection and better tracking of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions caused by tau protein buildup in the brain.

Recognizing progress and the work ahead

The researchers' work was highlighted during the May 14-15 Tau Global Conference in Washington, D.C., which brought together scientists, clinicians and advocates from around the world to discuss emerging discoveries and future directions in tau-focused research and care.

During the conference, Drs. Dickson and Murray were recognized with the 2026 Rainwater Prize for Outstanding Innovation in Neurodegenerative Research, an international distinction that honors advances in understanding tau-related diseases. The award recipients were announced earlier this year.

Dr. Murray says the recognition reflects how far science has come and the critical need for continued investment in understanding neurodegenerative diseases.

"We must continue to accelerate research so we can develop treatments for patients living with these devastating conditions," she says.

Dr.  Dickson emphasizes the importance of collaboration and momentum as research moves toward new treatments.

"We remain committed to advancing research that will help slow — and ultimately stop — the progression of tau-related diseases," he says.

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