Populations in many parts of the world are rapidly ageing. One of the major healthcare challenges that has ensued is the rising number of people with dementia. The HEAD Foundation supported the 34th International Conference of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI 2020) held from 10 – 12 December 2020, as part of our support for dementia-related work in Asia.
This conference is the longest running and one of the largest international conferences on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. For the first time, it was hosted virtually due to the exceptional circumstances surrounding COVID-19.
Centring on the theme of ‘Hope in the Age of Dementia’, the conference aimed to present hope through new science, new knowledge and new solutions around dementia. Featuring a wide range of international keynote speakers and days of high-quality scientific and non-scientific content, the programme was built on the World Health Organisation’s Global Action Plan on Dementia. There were plenary sessions covering each action area, including increased dementia policy, awareness, risk reduction, diagnosis, treatment, care and support, support for carers and information systems and research.
Some of the key topics covered were:
- Dementia: why we all need to do more
- COVID-19 and dementia
- The global burden of dementia: a roundtable update on incidence, prevalence and cost
- The science of risk reduction
- Strategies to support informal carers of people with dementia
The online conference brought together a diverse audience of 1,600 delegates from 120 countries, comprising researchers, scientists, clinicians, allied healthcare professionals, people living with dementia, family members and care professionals. The HEAD Foundation’s sponsorship helped triple the attendance of dementia patients and their caregivers, effectively helping the people who would benefit most to understand and cope with the disease.
A record number of 800 abstracts of conference papers were received prior to the conference. Together with the thought-provoking and content-rich virtual symposium sessions, these papers were made available for delegates to view for six weeks after the conference.
Testimonials
I was able to learn a great deal on diverse issues. I made some wonderful contacts. I am only able to attend a virtual conference. I cannot attend a conference in person.
It was a valuable experience to participate in a conference with topics of great interest, allowing access to high quality scientific knowledge and not least, the opportunity to know and learn about experiences of caregivers from many countries and continents.
The conference delivered exactly what I sought and that’s connection with people living with, working with, researching and developing policy on dementia globally. It’s incredibly important and I feel privileged to have been part of it.
Visit the official conference website for more information about the programme. Recordings of the key plenary sessions at ADI2020 will be released over time and can be accessed on ADI’s YouTube channel.