President and CEO Update from the Alzheimer’s Association…

Each year the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference reaches new heights and 2020 is no different in that respect. Because of the global pandemic, the Association quickly established a global platform hosting AAIC in a virtual format at no cost to the global science community and so many others. And, as of Monday, July 27, we have a record setting more than 26,500 registered attendees for this year’s conference, representing 155 countries. For the first time, 62% of attendees are women and 73% of attendees are doing so for the first time. We had nearly 2,900 poster submissions.These numbers speak to the power of the global research community and the Association’s leadership to convene and drive research forward.

We are so pleased that so many staff, board members, donors and volunteers have registered to attend the conference. I am confident that you can find research related news and information of interest to you.

Every day of AAIC has a theme this year:

• Monday, July 27: Basic Science and Pathogenesis.
• Tuesday, July 28: Biomarkers.
• Wednesday, July 29: Clinical Manifestations; Drug Development.
• Thursday, July 30: Public Health; Dementia Care and Psychosocial Factors; Dementia Care Practice.
• Friday, July 31: Professional Development.

Click  here to see a list of recommended sessions for staff and volunteers to attend. I hope you take the time this week — and in the next 30 days — to attend the live and on-demand sessions. It’s not too late to register  here.

The devastating impact of dementia has not slowed because of COVID-19. In fact, it’s been exacerbated by this pandemic, highlighting the needs of the estimated 50 million people with dementia worldwide, their caregivers & everyone in long-term care. I continue to be so impressed by your dedication and resilience in finding new ways to advance our cause during this crisis.

Thank you so much for everything you do to make AAIC and the underlying science possible, as we advance the research that will lead to new methods of prevention and treatment, plus improvements in early detection, diagnosis and care.