The Dementia Priority – Local and global action

Alzheimer’s Society’s vision is a world without dementia. Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.

Globally every three seconds someone develops dementia and internationally it is recognised as a severe health crisis. We know that more research is being conducted than ever before, more collaboration on policy, and more support, awareness and community action – change is happening, but is it enough?

Our Annual conference will shine a light on the scale of the problem, but will focus on how our actions, our collaborations, policies, and the research we undertake as individuals, builds through partnerships to organisation, community and national change for people with dementia, their carers and families.

Building on our call to take action

Alzheimer’s Society Annual Conference 2019, takes place over two days at the start of Dementia Action Week (20-26 May) at the Kia Oval, London. We have worked with people affected by dementia, putting their voices and experience at the forefront of our work, to pull together a jam-packed programme.

For many a diagnosis of dementia can feel like the end of their life, leading to feelings of social isolation and loneliness. We live in a society with a support system that has not yet responded to the scale of the challenge dementia presents, meaning people with dementia also face greater inequity and lack of access to the appropriate and affordable care and support they need and deserve.

Research can help us understand more about the diseases that cause dementia and provide evidence for how best to support people affected, but without health and social care systems fit to use this research and meet the needs of people with dementia, we will not make the progress urgently needed in the UK and beyond.

Together we are changing the landscape of dementia forever, and our conference unites those personally and professionally affected by dementia to focus on the latest progress we are making and the challenges for the future.

Key themes

• Supporting People affected by dementia and their carers
• Building a movement for change
• Research to transform care and discover new treatments

Key speakers:

• Caroline Dinenage MP, Minister of State for Health and Social Care
• Professor Steve Powis, National Medical Director NHS England
• Professor Dave Sharp, UK DRI Care and Technology Associate Director, Imperial College
• Suzanne Cahill, Author and Professor of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin
• John O’Brien, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, University of Cambridge
• Julie Ogley, Incoming President of Association of Directors of Adult Social Services

And many more …

What do conference delegates gain access to?

• A jam packed two-day conference programme
• People with dementia and carers sharing their experiences.
• Over 10 main conference sessions, each focused on a different aspect of dementia care, research and policy.
• 16 parallel sessions covering the latest research updates and service improvements.
• Over 80 expert speakers from across research, policy, care, government and community groups
• Exhibition stands to show innovative products and services.
• Our interactive conference App.
• Over 100 posters showcasing pioneering work in the dementia field.
• Panel discussions and audience Q and As.
• CPD accreditation.
• Networking opportunities – via our drinks reception and App networking too

Who should attend?

This is a must attend event for anyone working in health and social care, local and national government, policy and research including;

• International and national dementia researchers/organisations
• Alzheimer’s Society funded researchers
• Central and local government
• NHS and third sector organisations
• Clinicians
• Commissioners
• Leading influencers in health and social care
• Providers of community health services
• Local authorities
• Research Strategy Council & Grant Advisory Board members
• Members of our Dementia Friendly Communities Programme
• Representatives of Dementia Friendly businesses
• Prime Minsters task and finish group
• People affected by dementia
• Research network volunteers
• Dementia Champions

Programme – Day 1 – 21 May 2019