We describe innovative trial design features of interest for Alzheimer's disease (AD) adaptive or prevention trials. Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN) observational study data were used to model autosomal dominant AD (ADAD) cognitive decline. The DIAN Trials Unit (DIAN-TU) cognitive composite is sensitive to early cognitive changes in ADAD. The disease progression model significantly improves power over traditional analytical methods. The DIAN-TU Next Generation prevention trial will test therapeutics to prevent or slow cognitive decline in the ADAD population.