Dr. Kaj Blennow stands as a preeminent figure in clinical neurochemistry and biomarker research for neurodegenerative disorders. He currently holds the position of Professor and Academic Chair in Clinical Neurochemistry at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, while serving as Head of the Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. With both medical and doctoral degrees in neurochemistry, Dr. Blennow has established himself as a world leader through his dedicated research career spanning several decades. Under his co-direction with Professor Henrik Zetterberg, their research unit has evolved into a globally recognized center with approximately 50 employees that publishes around 150 scientific papers annually. This collaborative leadership has positioned Gothenburg as an international hub for advancing neurodegenerative disease diagnostics.
Dr. Blennow's pioneering work has fundamentally transformed Alzheimer's disease diagnosis through the development of cerebrospinal fluid and blood biomarkers, particularly establishing β-amyloid, tau, and phosphorylated tau as the definitive biomarkers for the condition. His innovative methods enable detection of Alzheimer's pathology up to twenty years before clinical symptoms manifest, creating unprecedented opportunities for early therapeutic intervention when treatments can be most effective. With an extraordinary publication record exceeding 2,300 peer-reviewed articles and more than 100,000 citations, his research represents some of the most influential work in modern neuroscience. These biomarker protocols have become the global standard in both research and clinical practice, significantly advancing diagnostic capabilities and playing a crucial role in the development and evaluation of novel therapeutics including the promising Lecanemab treatment.
Recognized as the top-ranked neuroscientist in Sweden and seventeenth globally according to Research.com's 2024 neuroscience ranking, Dr. Blennow's influence extends far beyond his laboratory. His recent receipt of both the prestigious 2025 Rainwater Prize for Outstanding Innovation in Neurodegenerative Research and the Eric K. Fernström Nordic Prize underscores the profound impact of his contributions to the field. Currently leading active research projects focused on refining blood-based diagnostic tests for broader clinical implementation, Dr. Blennow continues to drive innovation in early detection methodologies. As his laboratory develops increasingly sophisticated biomarker panels, his work promises to further revolutionize the monitoring and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions, ultimately enabling interventions at stages when neuronal damage remains potentially reversible and treatment outcomes are significantly improved.
