ADI Board Member Bill Yeates has written a guest article for Dementia Connections on “Leading with Lived Experience”, highlighting how a dementia diagnosis can be life changing, but does not diminish a person’s ability to contribute and make a difference. In the article, Bill shares his journey from the uncertainty following his diagnosis with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2019 to becoming an advocate helping shape the global conversation on dementia. Read the full article here: dementiaconnections.org/lead…

Highlights from Day 2 of the National Dementia Plan Pan Regional Workshop. The day began with a focus on Action Area 4 of the WHO Global Action Plan on the public health response to dementia, exploring the importance of integrating diagnosis, treatment, care and support into National Dementia Plans. Chris Lynch, Acting CEO of ADI, Paola Barbarino, Special Advisor at ADI, and Conny Helder, former Minister for Long-term Care and Sport of the Netherlands, examined the evolving landscape of dementia diagnostics and treatments, and discussed how countries can prepare for and incorporate these developments into their national responses. A key insight from this session illuminated that some countries in the process of renewing their national dementia plans are not presently considering the impact of emerging diagnostics and treatments, a crucial area that must be addressed. In a following session, participants were presented with exemplar National Dementia Plans, showcasing approaches that set the benchmark for comprehensive, holistic and measurable dementia strategies. Lewis Arthurton, Head of Policy and Communications at ADI, was joined by representatives from the Ministry of Health Germany and Deutsche Alzheimer Gesellschaft, who shared insights into successful policy development and implementation. The afternoon continued with Action Areas 6 and 7, focusing on the critical role of dementia research and information systems. Dr Laura Garcia Diaz and Chris Lynch discussed the importance of embedding research within National Dementia Plans, increasing investment in dementia research, and strengthening data collection and analysis to inform effective policy and service delivery. Closing the workshop, a concluding roundtable brought together government and dementia associations to discuss dementia as a national priority. Delegates from Jordan, Morocco, Denmark, Egypt and Germany shared updates and challenges of their dementia strategy development and implementation. The discussion also explored the importance of language and terminology in shaping public understanding of dementia and reducing stigma. #NPDWorkshop2026

Highlights from the opening day the National Dementia Plan Pan Regional Workshop. The day commenced with opening remarks from Chris Lynch, Acting CEO of ADI, Dr Ching-Choi Lam, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Mental Health, Health Bureau, Government of the Hong Kong SAR and Dr Katrin Seeher, Dementia Specialist, Neurological, Sensory and Oral Conditions Unit, WHO The first session focused on providing an overview of the WHO Global Action Plan on the public health response to dementia, including the seven action areas and targets, progress to date, delivered by Dr Laura Garcia Diaz, Dr Khalid Saeed, Dr Frédérique Djurdjevic andConny Helder, The following session delved into the current progress, barriers & solutions present in the dementia policy landscape, with updates provided by Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Jordan, Morocco and Spain Government Officials and Dementia Asssociation members.  Next, ADI welcomed Prof Miia Kivipelto, MD, PhD, Professor of Clinical Geriatrics at Karolinska Institutet (KI), Dr Katrin Seeher and Lewis Arthurton, Head of Policy and Communications, ADI, discussing Dementia Risk Reduction Strategies and their intersection with existing NCD policy frameworks. Closing the day, the final session of Day 1 shone a light on raising Awareness and Dementia-Friendly Initiatives, providing more information on organising a successful awareness raising campaign, with tangible examples provided by Ministry of Health Germany, Deutsche Alzheimer Gesellschaft, Confederación Española de Alzheimer y otras demencias (CEAFA) and Al Oun Jordan Association for Alzheimer’s Disease (AJAAD). #NPDWorkshop2026

Today, ADI welcomes government and dementia association representatives from 7 countries to participate in a first of its kind 'National Dementia Plans: Pan-Regional Workshop', convening in London, UK. In addition, the workshop will include guest speakers Miia Kivipelto, MD, PhD, Professor of Clinical Geriatrics at Karolinska Institutet (KI), Sweden; and Conny Helder, Former Minister for Long-term Care and Sport, Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, Netherlands; as well as key dementia specialists from the WHO Neurological, Sensory and Oral Conditions Unit, Geneva, regional advisors. This workshop is designed for key government officials, leading dementia experts in fields including diagnostics, treatment, research and post diagnostic support, together with the leading Alzheimer and dementia association in each country, to come together to discuss their countries' progress toward developing or implementing their National Dementia Plan, alongside sharing best practices, national challenges and global insights. ADI is the global voice on dementia with member associations in over 100 countries around the world. It is our mission to support and work with Alzheimer and dementia associations, as well as people living with dementia, carers and all relevant organisations to help raise awareness, challenge stigma and to call for dementia to be a global health priority. Convening this workshop is a crucial action towards this goal. ADI extends its thanks to delegates joining us from Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, Jordan, Morocco, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Stay tuned to our social media accounts to gain more updates from this unique event. #NDPWorkshop2026

On 18 June, ADI Americas Regional Office will host a crucial webinar on dementia care infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean. Register for the event: cloud.mail.iadb.org/event_bi… Inscríbete en el evento:cloud.mail.iadb.org/event_bi… Inscreva-se no evento: cloud.mail.iadb.org/event_bi… Rapid population ageing is significantly increasing the number of people living with dementia in Latin America and the Caribbean. This figure is projected to rise from 4.5 million in 2019 to 13.7 million by 2050. In response to this challenge, day centres are emerging as a key care and support alternative.    ADI’s Americas Regional Office is hosting a webinar in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) to bring together regional and international experts to discuss progress in care policies for people living with dementia and present concrete experiences from day centres in Argentina and Japan.   The seminar will feature Diego Aguilar (ADI), Simone Cecchini (ECLAC), and Marco Stampini (IDB), as well as presentations by María Cristina Álvarez from GAMA - Centro Integral de la Memoria in Argentina and Noriyo Washizu from Alzheimer’s Association Japan.

At the beginning of June, ADI proudly awarded Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau (KWNC) a 6-year reaccreditation as an ADI Dementia Education Provider during an online ceremony hosted by ADI Head of Accreditation Amalia Fonk-Utomo, Asia Pacific Regional Director, DY Suharya and Special Advisor Paola Barbarino, as well as welcoming senior leaders from KWNC Van, Iat Kio, President and Executive Officer of the Nursing & Health Education Research Centre and Professor; Leong, Sok Man, Vice-President (Research and Development), Ng, Wai I, Vice-President (Academic), PhD Programme Leader and Associate Professor; Tsang, Sau Mui Alice, Nursing Education Consultant and Associate Professor; and Wu, JianWei, DCO Programme Coordinator and Assistant Professor. A journey began several years ago, KWNC first embarked on the ADI accreditation process and achieved its initial accreditation in 2022. Now, in 2026, KWNC has earned the re-accreditation though its continued operational excellence. During the recent reaccreditation review, the Global Review Panel had the opportunity to witness first-hand the dedication behind KWNC’s work, meeting educators, healthcare professionals, students, graduates, family carers, community partners, and people living with dementia who are helping to shape a more dementia-inclusive society. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of the entire KWNC community who contributed to the accreditation and reaccreditation journey. We look forward to seeing KWNC continue to lead and inspire dementia education across Macau, the Greater Bay Area, and the global dementia community over the next six years. You can learn more about ADI Accreditation on our website: alzint.org/what-we-do/accred…

At the 2026 World Health Assembly in Geneva, ADI Acting CEO, Chris Lynch joined Dr Tarun Dua, WHO’s Unit Head, Neurological, Sensory and Oral Conditions; Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, for a conversation on the future of dementia policy and its intersection with prevention, care and innovation. 🔴 Download the 2026 edition of From Plan to Impact now: alzint.org/resource/from-pla… 🔴 Watch the full recorded conversation with WHO: youtu.be/DpdIhShg5DY The discussion marked the launch of ADI’s From Plan to Impact 2026 report, a concise infographic-led snapshot tracking how governments worldwide are progressing on national dementia plans and commitments under the WHO Global Action Plan on Dementia. Throughout the conversation, Chris Lynch and Dr Tarun Dua explored crucial insights including: 🔴 The renewed momentum created by the extension of the WHO Global Action Plan to 2031. 🔴 Why integration across dementia, noncommunicable diseases, mental health, and ageing strategies is essential for real progress. 🔴 The implementation gap between policy commitments and meaningful action on the ground. 🔴 The importance of strengthening community healthcare systems and workforce capacity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. 🔴 How dementia risk reduction is becoming a critical entry point for governments and policymakers. 🔴 The urgent need to ensure innovation, diagnostics, and treatments are accessible and equitable worldwide. 🔴 Why the voices of people living with dementia and carers must be embedded throughout policy, research, and service development. The conversation also highlighted WHO’s ongoing work to update its dementia risk reduction guidelines, alongside the growing international momentum created by the inclusion of dementia in the 2025 UN Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health. #Dementia #WorldHealthAssembly #WHO #ADI #PublicHealth #BrainHealth #NCDs #FromPlanToImpact #GlobalHealth

This morning at the #WHA, ADI Acting CEO Chris Lynch opened proceedings for GCOA/Lilly side event, “Closing the Innovation and Access Gap: Lessons From Across Disease Areas for Alzheimer’s Access and Reimbursement.” Setting the scene for the session, Chris highlighted that innovation around dementia is outpacing policy and practice, with governments and healthcare systems struggling to keep abreast with diagnostic changes, new treatments and a challenge to the very definition of a diagnosis of dementia – is it at the point of symptomatic diagnosis, or 20 years earlier at the start of pathology, or even earlier when risk factors can be modified? The roundtable shared insights from other conditions, that have previously had to overcome many of the barriers that dementia experiences, such as low awareness, stigma and adapting to novel treatments and diagnostics. Strokes, HIV/AIDS, Cancer and their associated economics were all represented in a truly enlightening, and often difficult, conversation. At the roundtable, Chris handed out copied of ADI’s new ‘From Plan to Impact’ progress report against the targets of the Global Action Plan on Dementia. Your free digital copy can be downloaded here: alzint.org/resource/from-pla… #WHA79 #Dementia #BrainHealth #GDAP #WHO

On 20 May, ADI Acting CEO Chris Lynch joined a WHO Foundation & Lilly side event at the World Health Assembly focused on building sustainable pathways for early diagnosis and care. During the discussion, Chris highlighted the importance of earlier diagnosis, the growing importance of new diagnostics and the need for health systems to adapt at speed to respond to the availability of treatments and risk reduction strategies, alongside more traditional post diagnostic support. On the day that we launched our new progress report, From Plan to Impact, Chris emphasised how vital it is to galvanise momentum towards national dementia plans; plans that reflect the innovation and developments in diagnosis, treatment, care and support.

At the World Health Organization’s World Health Assembly, ADI’s Acting CEO, Chris Lynch and WHO’s Unit Head, Neurological, Sensory and Oral Conditions; Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, Dr Tarun Dua, held a short fireside chat to launch the 2026 edition of From Plan to Impact, where they discussed the key findings of the report and how we can advance forward dementia policy across the world. This report is seeking to track Member States’ progress towards implementing the targets of the Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to dementia. One year on from the extension to the Global Action Plan, progress remains gradual with the total of National Dementia Plans rising slightly since 2025 from 45 to 47. This translates to 32.2 percent of the 146 Member State target, and only 24.2 percent of all 194 Member States who agreed to implement plans in 2017. Despite the slow increase in overall plan numbers, ADI applauds the governments of the Maldives, Ukraine, Poland, Argentina, and Peru for passing their first national dementia plans since May 2025 and we are further encouraged by the 20 countries (18 Member States) who are currently developing plans. The breadth of geographical, economic, and societal differences between these countries is proof that dementia concerns us all, and that all states can – and should – do something for their citizens affected by the condition. The Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia remains the most effective framework for governments to build comprehensive dementia plans that address the multifaceted challenges inherent to this condition and ensure their national health systems are ready to address it. ADI thanks our members for their efforts to advance dementia policy globally and for their contributions to this report. The forthcoming interview with Dr Tarun Dua will be available to ADI’s global network soon via our digital channels soon. Access the From Plan to Impact report: alzint.org/resource/from-pla… #Dementia #BrainHealth #GDAP #WHO #NCDs #WHA79

ADI Head of Communications and Policy, Lewis Arthurton, has delivered a crucial statement on WHO’s work in health emergencies. In his statement, Lewis highlighted the impact of health emergencies and infectious disease on those living with dementia. “Those living with dementia are disproportionately impacted by infectious diseases, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Canada, dementia was reported on 36% of COVID-related death certificates in 2020; in Australia, 41%, up to 28% and 20% in the UK and Italy respectively.” The statement ended by calling on the WHO and Member States to be mindful of the specific needs of people living with dementia and for better integration of local dementia association expertise into humanitarian responses and infectious disease outbreaks. #WHA79 #WHO #ADI #Dementia #WorldHealthAssembly

This week, ADI is attending 79th World Health Assembly. The World Health Assembly is a global gathering of representatives from all 194 Member States of the World Health Organization, taking place in May each year. WHO Member States use this meeting to debate key resolutions and recommendations for global health policies that have been put forward by the WHO Executive Board (a body of 34 technically trained individuals that represent a collection of Member States). Last year, World Health Assembly extended the WHO Global Action Plan on the public health response to dementia. One year on. ADI will observe the progress that has been made by WHO’s member states towards this crucial policy framework to improve the lives of those living with dementia and their carers. Time for progress is now if we are to meet the growing global health challenge of dementia, by 2040 dementia will become the 3rd leading cause of death globally. Stay tuned for more updates from ADI, including the launch of our From Plan to Impact briefing, during this crucial congress of WHO member states and civil society organisations. #WHA79 #Dementia #BrainHealth #GDAP #WHO

On 14 May, Puerto Rican legislator Odalys González, together with Wilberto Pagán, the President of the Alzheimer’s Association Puerto Rico, announced the introduction of House Bill 1277, a new legislative initiative that would complement the country’s existing 2026–2030 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Strategic Plan by establishing concrete and enforceable protocols for hospitals, police, government agencies, and healthcare providers. The bill focuses on differentiated care, specialised training, voluntary identification systems, and coordinated public response mechanisms for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. ADI congratulates Alzheimer’s Association Puerto Rico, our national member association for Puerto Rico for this milestone. You can read the Puerto Rican National Dementia Plan on the ADI website: alzint.org/what-we-do/policy… #NationalDementiaPlan

Roche has announced that Elecsys® pTau217, a blood test developed in collaboration with Eli Lilly and designed to both rule in and rule out Alzheimer’s pathology in people experiencing cognitive symptoms, has received a Conformité Européenne (CE) mark, for the European Economic Area (EEA). This follows news that earlier in the week, Fujirebio Europe N.V. obtained a CE certificate of the Lumipulse G pTau 217 Plasma assay, also a blood test designed to measure Tau phosphorylated at threonine 217 (pTau 217) in human plasma. CE marks signify that products sold in the EEA have been assessed to meet high safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. Leanr more on our website: alzint.org/news-events/news/… #Alzheimers #Diagnostics #BloodTest

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/…

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/item/… Sign up to our newsletter to receive the full recap of ADI’s 2026 conference: alzint.org/newsletter