Derek Small's personal journey into the world of Alzheimer’s disease research began with a heartbreaking experience—watching his father’s battle with early-onset dementia. As he witnessed the profound impacts of neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction on his father, Small decided to shift the focus of his Indianapolis-based biotech firm, Luson Bioventures, entirely to neuroscience.

In a bold move, Small, along with a team of researchers from the Indiana University School of Medicine, established Monument Biosciences. Their mission? To spearhead the development of innovative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease—the condition that claimed his father’s life in 2017.

From Tragedy to Triumph: A Personal Mission