A brainstorming session focused on research into the etiology and pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was held at the Alzheimer Center, Reina Sofia Foundation, Madrid, Spain, on 22 September 2009. The meeting was attended by an international panel of 21 experts and researchers.The meeting started with a call for international research collaboration on AD and neurodegenerative disorders, a need currently encouraged even by political initiatives. The session took place in three stages: 1) a round of individual contributions from participants addressing areas that they considered of interest; 2) a general recommendation whereby studies about prevention and early diagnosis and treatment were to be initiated targeting persons bearing the dominant mutations in AbetaPP, PS-1 and PS-2 genes that result in development of AD; and 3) a proposal was made to the effect that a network be set up to facilitate interaction among those participating in the meeting.