Taking neighbourhood research to AAIC for All
In July, the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 brought thousands of delegates to Excel London to discuss the latest advances in dementia research. We were delighted to present DeNPRU-QM research at both the main conference and AAIC for All, a free community event.
Professor Charles Marshall spoke during the opening session of AAIC for All, setting the scene with a presentation about the prevalence of dementia in the UK and globally. In his closing remarks, he referenced the DeNPRU-QM Nottingham Consensus as being a “roadmap” that governments can use to act on dementia risk reduction policy.
Following a Q&A and panel discussion, Conor Durkin spoke alongside UK-based scientists in a session about neighbourhood research. The speakers covered a diverse range of topics from childhood predictors of dementia to the menopause, with the 14 modifiable dementia risk factors identified by the 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission as a common thread.
Conor shared research about regional variation in the potential for dementia prevention across England, a joint project between DeNPRU-QM and the Department of Health and Social Care. By creating reports specific to individual local authorities, the project aims to use population-level research to help inform targeted interventions and support dementia risk reduction in communities across England.
Beyond the formal programme, AAIC 2026 provided valuable opportunities to engage with colleagues, policymakers and people with lived experience of dementia from around the world. During the UK Dementia Research Community Reception, we heard from keynote speakers Lord Vallance and Frank Arrojo about the UK’s contribution to advances in dementia research. It was encouraging to see a shared commitment to improving dementia prevention, diagnosis and care for people in the UK, wherever they live and whatever their background.