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ADI Regional Director for the Americas opens FEDMA’s 29th International Conference in Mexico Federación Mexicana de Alzheimer (FEDMA), an ADI member since 1988 representing 22 Alzheimer associations nationwide, launched its 29th International Conference in Guadalajara, Mexico. The opening ceremony featured remarks by Diego Aguilar, ADI Regional Director for the Americas, alongside Iraís Bonilla, chair of FEDMA; Dora Quezada, chair of Alzheimer Iberoamérica; and Dr Iván Valdés-Ferrer, Director General of Health Research Policy at Mexico’s Ministry of Health. The session brought together more than 200 participants from across the country. In his opening remarks, Diego emphasised that Mexico should take the critical step towards the implementation of its National Dementia Plan. Looking ahead, on Thursday Diego will join an important panel together with colleagues from FEDMA, the National Institute of Geriatrics, and PAHO to advance the discussion and identify concrete pathways to implementation

The MERCOSUR Parliament (PARLASUR) has approved a declaration recognizing the response to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as a matter of regional interest. The initiative, promoted by MERCOSUR Parliamentarian Mariano Fernández from Tucumán, Argentina, calls for stronger regional cooperation, improved data systems, early diagnosis, risk reduction, caregiver support, professional training, and the creation of a regional advisory mechanism on dementia. Adopted during the PARLASUR plenary session on 27 April, the declaration reflects growing recognition that dementia is not only a health issue, but also a social, economic and human rights challenge. It also signals the need to move toward more structured and sustained policy responses, including the potential development of a regional programme and advisory mechanisms on dementia. The declaration highlights the importance of cooperation with PAHO/WHO and ADI, and explicitly encourages coordination with ADI’s regional office for the Americas, as well as with Alzheimer and dementia associations across MERCOSUR Member States. Diego Aguilar, Regional Director for the Americas at Alzheimer’s Disease International, welcomed the decision: "This declaration is an important step for the region. Dementia is not only a health issue; it is a social, economic and human rights challenge. MERCOSUR now has an opportunity to move from isolated efforts to a more coordinated regional response that supports people living with dementia, families and caregivers." The initiative draws in part on the experience of Tucumán’s provincial Alzheimer’s and dementia programme, while seeking to adapt this approach to the broader regional context. It frames dementia as a growing public health challenge for MERCOSUR and calls for sustained action across prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, research and rights protection. More information: sapl.parlamentomercosur.org/media/sapl/pub…

Following our announcement during the closing ceremony of the #ADI2026 conference, we are proud to share that our next global conference in 2028 will be held in the vibrant and historic city of New Delhi, India, from 8-10 March. Hosted in collaboration with ADI Member, Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) the conference will reconvene our global network of associations, researchers, lived experience experts and policy makers to discuss the forthcoming advancements in dementia treatment, care and support across the world. ADI & ARDSI look forward to welcoming you in 2028.

That’s a wrap! With the close of the closing ceremony, the 2026 Global Conference of Alzheimer’s Disease International has come to an end. ADI would like to thank everyone who travelled to Lyon for three days of discussion, knowledge sharing and collaboration with more than 1,500 colleagues, researchers, policymakers, people living with dementia and carers from around the world. ADI also extends its sincere thanks to our member, France Alzheimer, for hosting us in Lyon, France, as we explored the latest developments in dementia research, care and policy, and continued strengthening the global movement to improve the lives of people affected by dementia everywhere. As this conference marked our CEO Paola Barbarino’s final ADI conference ahead of her retirement in 2026, we would also like to thank Paola for the leadership, energy and passion she has brought to every engagement and every stage since 2017. At the end of the ceremony, we announced that ADI’s 2028 Global Conference will take place in Delhi, in partnership with our member, the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India. More information will be shared in due course. On behalf of the whole ADI team, we wish everyone a safe journey home and look forward to seeing you all again in 2028.

On day three of #ADI2026, the auditorium stage hosted a very special session that delivered a vital message: solutions for today and tomorrow must always be informed by the voices of those with lived experience of dementia. Dementia advocate and ADI Board Member Bill Yeates joined ADI Interim Research Partnerships Coordinator Patricia Saletti in conversation. Together, they explored what it means to live well with dementia, while also giving the audience a valuable opportunity to engage directly with an expert sharing his lived experience. Sessions like this highlight the importance of amplifying the voices of people living with dementia and their carers. These perspectives foster deeper empathy and understanding, while also inspiring meaningful action. ADI thanks Patricia and Bill for this important reminder.

How can we better support dementia carers around the world? The ADI2026 conference session “Empowering Dementia Carers Worldwide: Lessons from Global Adaptations and Implementations of WHO’s iSupport for Dementia Programme” explored how the World Health Organization iSupport programme is being adapted and implemented across diverse settings. From Ghana, Tunisia and Korea to Portugal, New Zealand, Georgia and Hong Kong, speakers share lessons from culturally adapted training, digital tools and co-designed resources that empower carers and strengthen support for families affected by dementia. Learn more about iSupport: who.int/publications/i… Sign up to our newsletter to receive the full recap of ADI’s 2026 conference: alzint.org/newsletter

Day 2 of #ADI2026 draws to a close, and we’re reflecting on two standout plenaries focused on the power of data and the latest advances in dementia science. The fourth plenary of the conference, “Data that delivers: Information systems for better dementia care,” explored how data can drive better outcomes. Prof Soeren Mattke (University of Southern California, USA) opened the session by examining cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), outlining both its value and its limitations, particularly in the context of funding dementia research and treatments. He was followed by Prof Miia Kivipelto (Karolinska Institute, Sweden, and ADI Board Member), who highlighted the importance of big data from global contexts, providing examples from the World Wide FINGERS initiative. The final plenary of the day, “The frontiers of dementia science and innovation,” turned to the cutting edge of research in the field. Dr Yakeel Quiroz (MAPP Lab, Boston University) shared key insights from the Colombia-Boston biomarker study, before Dr Jose Luchsinger (Columbia University) highlighted current trends shaping the future of dementia research. Learn more about ADI2026 and its programme of seven plenaries, 51 parallel sessions and much more: adiconference.org/programme

ADI is delighted to announce the launch of a special project at #ADI2026: The Alzheimer’s Disease Atlas. This first-of-its-kind website offers users an interactive and data-driven glimpse at the impact of dementia and Alzheimer’s across the globe. Allowing users to see, for the first time, all country-reported dementia case numbers in one place. Delve into single country insights, compare country data, and download PDF reports using this dynamic resource. This powerful tool has the ability to demonstrate just how crucial it is to act now in order to properly support those living with dementia, their families, and carers globally, especially as we near 2030, when global case numbers are estimated to exceed 55 million. This Atlas has been created, developed, and funded in collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company and was launched this morning at ADI’s global conference in Lyon, France. ad-atlas.org Due to website visitor volume, the website may temporarily be slower in loading. #AlzheimersAtlas

ADI welcomes our global delegates to day 2 of #ADI2026! The first plenary session of the day is underway here in Lyon on the theme of “Changing minds: Tackling stigma and building dementia-inclusive societies”. The session welcomes four speakers, beginning with dementia advocate John-Richard Pagan from the Lewy Body Dementia Association who is discussing the importance of changing the social narrative surrounding stigma or isolation. We are also hearing from Ingrid Wellington, from ADI’s member association in Panama, Asociacion de Apoyo a los Familiares de Pacientes con Alzheimer y Otras Enfermedades Demenciales (AFAPADEA). She will touch on dementia stigma from the Latin American perspective. Then, Prof Philip Scheltens of EQT Life Sciences, addresses the importance of raising awareness of dementia and combatting stigma. Finally, the session rounds out with some insight from Prof Christina Scicluna from the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, who brings in the important and unique perspective of Canadian indigenous communities and the lessons learned on raising awareness and tackling stigma. As an incredibly poignant and critical topic, which touches all who are affected by dementia, reducing stigma is such an important part of dementia advocacy and support.

The Welcome Reception for #ADI2026 is now taking place in the Exhibition Hall. A big thank you to Fondation Médéric Alzheimer for sponsoring this event. ADI welcomes this opportunity for our global delegates to network, connect and share their gained insights from the action-packed first day of the Conference! Delegates and our global audience can view our interactive programme to see what’s upcoming for day 2: virtual.oxfordabstracts.com/#/e/ADI-2026/p…

We have launched the #ADI2026 opening ceremony. The session was opened by ADI Chair of the Board, Meera Pattabiraman, who welcomed over 1400 global delegates to three days of insights, discussion and inspiration, and introduced an esteemed panel representing the France’s government, civil society and dementia community. In her opening remarks, Meera shared: This gathering represents the coming together of the finest minds in our field—those working in medicine and research, social care, public policy, and advocacy; members of associations from across continents; care professionals; and most importantly, persons living with dementia and their care partners. All of us are united by a shared purpose: to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their families. Speakers include Camille Galliard-Minier, Minister of Autonomy and Disability; Bernard Verger, dementia advocate living with the condition; Régine and Mr Clément Verger, carers; Joël Jaouen, Président of France Alzheimer et maladies apparentées; Benoît Durand, CEO of France Alzheimer et maladies apparentées; Gérard Herrbach, Président of France Alzheimer Rhône; and Paola Barbarino, CEO of ADI. A powerful start to an important global conversation on solutions for today and tomorrow!

The second plenary of #ADI2026 is delved into the crucial topic of the establishment and implementation of dementia policy, discussing ‘Beyond the plan; The future of dementia policy’. As the WHO Global Action Plan on the public health response to dementia was extended in May 2025, this session is a critical look into how we can utilise dementia policy to further our reach beyond national dementia plans. Alongside the session chair, ADI CEO Paola Barbarino, the amphitheatre stage welcomed a panel of esteemed speakers, who each bring a unique regional or professional perspective to the topic of dementia policy: Ms Dévora Kestel – Acting Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, World Health Organization Dr July Esther Caballero Peralta, Executive Director of the Directorate of Mental Health, Ministry of Health of Peru. Mr Shin Nomura – Counselor for Dementia Policy Planning, Division of Dementia Policy and Community-Based Long- Term Care Promotion, Health and Welfare Bureau for the Elderly, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Mr Benjamin Voisin - Head of the Social and Medico-Social Policy Department, Deputy to the Director – Directorate-General for Social Cohesion Dr Facundo Manes – Professor of Neurology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Favaloro University H.E Reem Abu Hassan, President of AJAAD Al Oun Jordan association For Alzheimer’s Disease This event has also welcomed our global ambassadors Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain, Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein of Jordan and Camille Galliard-Minier, Minister Delegate, French Minister of Health, Families, Autonomy and Persons with Disabilities as honourary audience guests. Learn more about #ADI2026: adiconference.org #ADI2026 @FranceAlzheimer

#ADI2026 conference is officially open! Beginning with our opening plenary - Risk reduction in action; pre & post diagnosis strategies, chaired by ADI Deputy CEO Chris Lynch and welcoming Prof Maria Soto-Martin, Dr Ricardo Allegri, Prof Gill Livingston, Etuini Ma'u and dementia advocate Bill Yeates. Today marks the start of 3 days of discussions, knowledge sharing and collaboration with over 1,400 colleagues, researchers, policymakers, people living with dementia and carers from around the world. On behalf of the entire Alzheimer’s Disease International team and Alzheimer France we would like to warmly welcome you to Lyon. Together, we will explore the latest developments in dementia research, care and policy, and continue strengthening the global movement to improve the lives of people affected by dementia everywhere. Learn more about the ADI conference: adiconference.org Follow us @AlzDisInt to stay tuned for more of our updates and highlights from across the three days.

Ahead of ADI’s 2026 Conference in Lyon, ADI CEO Paola Barbarino attended a high-level symposium at the French Ministry of Health, organised by Alzheimer France, to support the advancement of dementia policy within the country. Bringing a global perspective, during her panel session Paola highlighted the growing international evidence on risk reduction and the urgent need for improved policy in this area, drawing on ADI’s global reports and the latest data on risk reduction, including the 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia. The event also included sessions on the challenge of an early diagnosis and non-pharmacological interventions for those living with dementia. Read more about Paola’s intervention below in English: alzint.org/news-events/ne… Interested to learn more on dementia risk reduction, diagnosis and treatment? It’s still not too late to register for ADI’s conference in Lyon next week: adiconference.org

ADI is pleased to announce that its Global Ambassador, Her Majesty, Queen Sofía of Spain, will attend the 37th ADI 2026 Conference in Lyon, France convening from the 14-16th April. This news follows ADI’s earlier announcement that Her Royal Highness, Princess Muna Al-Hussein of Jordan will also be in attendance alongside global health leaders and experts, convening to discuss dementia solutions for today and tomorrow. Attracting more than 1,400 guests from 100 countries, the ADI 2026 conference will be centred on the seven action areas of the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on the public health response to dementia, offering comprehensive, global insights across all aspects of dementia research, diagnosis, treatment, risk reduction, care and support. Her Majesty Queen Sofía has always emphasised the need to redouble efforts in research: 'Let us all strengthen our efforts and continue working to find solutions that not only alleviate the terrible effects of this disease but also prevent or delay it through early diagnosis, so that patients can have the best possible quality of life—though we must never forget that our ultimate goal is to find a cure for this type of disease.' Her Majesty, Queen Sofia has been a valued Global Ambassador for ADI since 2018. In-person registration for the 37th Global Conference of Alzheimer’s Disease International is still open; secure your place to join us in Lyon for this biennial event today. Register here: …s-disease-international.idloom.events/ADI-2026 We look forward to welcoming our global delegates in Lyon, next week, launching on Tuesday 14 April. #ADI2026

For those following the treatment development pipeline, on 26 March, Anavex announced its intention to withdraw its EMA application for marketing authorisation of blarcamesine, an oral add-on therapy for people with early Alzheimer’s disease, in those with mild cognitive impairment, or those with mid-stage dementia. This decision follows feedback received from the EMA’s CHMP, which was unable to concluded that the benefits would out way the risks based on the evidence provided by Anavex. In their press statement, Anavex outlined their commitment to continuing the development of new therapies for those living with dementia. ADI will continue to provide updates as and when these occur.

On 31 March, the Government of the Maldives launched its first National Dementia Plan (2025–2030), marking a significant milestone following years of sustained advocacy by ADI Member, the Alzheimer’s Society of Maldives, alongside ADI’s Regional Director for Asia Pacific, DY Suharya. The plan sets out a comprehensive national response aligned with the seven action areas of the WHO Global Action Plan on dementia, tailored to the Maldivian context. Commenting on the announcement, DY Suharya said: “We warmly welcome the launch of the Maldives’ first National Dementia Plan, which represents a vital step towards strengthening awareness, diagnosis, care and support for people living with dementia and their families. This achievement reflects strong national leadership and sustained advocacy, and we look forward to supporting its implementation in line with global and regional best practice.”

The world's expert network on dementia is gathering in Lyon this April, will you be there? ADI’s 2026 conference is almost here, taking place 14-16 April 2026 in Lyon, France, in partnership with France Alzheimer, this is ADI's biennial global conference, and the last opportunity for international delegates to come together until 2028. Register: …s-disease-international.idloom.events/ADI-2026 With abstract insights spanning 48 abstract topics across 90 countries, ADI2026 offers something for everyone whether your background is scientific, clinical, or lived experience. See the full programme: virtual.oxfordabstracts.com/#/e/ADI-2026/p… If you’re a researcher pushing the boundaries of dementia science, a carer, a policy maker, a healthcare professional, or someone with a personal connection to dementia, your place is in Lyon this Spring. Register today. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be a global voice on dementia. #ADI2026

In 2025, ADI shared the testimonies of people travelling for new Alzheimer’s treatment, driven by disparities between regulators. Today, we highlight further evidence published in the Daily Express of a person living with dementia travelling from Denmark to the UK to access treatment. As the global voice for dementia, ADI continues to advocate for greater health equity, ensuring people living with dementia have the choice to access pharmacology or non-pharmacological treatments in their own country. Read the article: express.co.uk/life-style/hea… Learn more about the emergence of travelling for Alzheimer’s treatment on our website: alzint.org/news-events/ne…

ADI is pleased to shine a spotlight on e-DiVA - empowering Dementia Carers with an iSupport Virtual Assistant, a culturally adapted digital support platform designed with and for dementia carers across the Asia-Pacific region. It provides practical, easy-to-use guidance in multiple languages that helps carers feel informed, supported and less isolated. Read the full article on our website: alzint.org/news-events/ne… #eDiVA