ADI Regional Director for the Americas, Diego Aguilar, and the Board of Asociación Dominicana de Alzheimer y Similares (ADAS), ADI’s member association in the Dominican Republic, met with Dr Eladio Pérez, Vice Minister of Health, in Santo Domingo to discuss the future of the country’s national dementia response. The meeting also brought together senior Ministry of Health officials, including Dr Alejandro Uribe, Director of Mental Health, and Dr Ricardo Elías Melgen, Director of Population Health Management. Discussions focused on reviewing the National Dementia Plan 2020–2025, with the Vice Minister committing to its renewal. Technical working groups will be established with the participation of ADAS and ADI to support the revision and development of an updated plan, with particular emphasis on measurable indicators to monitor progress and implementation. The Ministry also confirmed its participation in the upcoming WHO/PAHO Regional Technical Meeting on Dementia, taking place in Mexico City on 9–10 November 2026. ADI welcomes this important commitment to strengthening the national dementia response and looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Health and ADAS.

Join us online tomorrow, 22 October for a webinar exploring the Alzheimer’s Disease Atlas, a first-of-its-kind resource available to the entire dementia community. Now covering 137 countries and territories, the AD Atlas compiles pertinent information on diagnosis, treatment and care, policy, research, support for carers, and more, all through an accessible, easy-to-navigate platform. This webinar will feature commentary from following speakers: 🔴Dr Stéphane Epelbaum, International Therapy Area Lead Medical Affairs Neurology and Pain, Eli Lilly 🔴 Laura Castro-Aldrete, Research Partnerships Lead, ADI 🔴 Patricia Saletti, Research Partnerships Coordinator, ADI 🔴 Dr Kaele Stokes (Morning speaker), Executive Director Services, Engagement and Research, Dementia Australia 🔴Dr Fasihah Irfani (Morning speaker), Associate Professor of Neurology, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Indonesia 🔴 Jaime Parellada Centeno, (Afternoon speaker) Honorary President, Asociación Grupo Ermita Alzheimer, Guatemala 🔴 Kevin Rabiant, (Afternoon speaker) Head of Research Department, France Alzheimer & Maladies Apparentées, France To accommodate for differing time zones, this free webinar will be held twice, once at 10:00 BST, and again at 16:00 BST. Register now: bit.ly/4B3CMiq

ADI's Regional Director for the Americas, Diego Aguilar, participated in AMIIF Innovation Week 2026 in Mexico City, organised by the Mexican Association of Pharmaceutical Research Industries (AMIIF). Diego joined a panel on “From Patient Testimonies to Co-Designing Solutions”, alongside representatives from diabetes, cancer and patient advocacy organisations. The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that people living with dementia and other health conditions have a meaningful voice in shaping healthcare policies, research and innovation. Thank you to AMIIF for the invitation and for bringing these important conversations together. #DementiaAdvocacy

From 15–16 October 2026, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) conducted an on-site accreditation assessment visit to Advanced Gerontological Education Inc. (AGE) in Hamilton, Ontario, as part of ADI’s Accreditation Programme. Amalia Fonk-Utomo, Head of Accreditation, travelled to Canada alongside Dawn Brooker and Bill Yeates, who were representing the ADI Global Review Panel. Over the two days, the team observed dementia training in practice and held valuable discussions with AGE leadership, trainers, programme developers and key stakeholders. The visit provided an important opportunity to observe AGE’s real-world delivery of dementia training and explore opportunities for growth and improvement. ADI extends its appreciation to the AGE team for their warm welcome, sincerity, and collaboration throughout the visit, and to the Global Review Panel members for their valuable contributions. The accreditation review process is ongoing, with further updates to follow. Together, we continue to support quality dementia education and training worldwide. #ADIAccreditation #DementiaEducation #DementiaTraining #AGE

This week, ADI is pleased to share that Dr Gloria Balboa, Senior Undersecretary at the Philippines Department of Health (DOH), has expressed a strong commitment to developing a standalone National Dementia Plan for the Philippines in 2027. The announcement was made during a roundtable discussion in Manila, hosted by ADI member Alzheimer’s Disease Association of the Philippines (ADAP). The event brought together representatives from across Southeast Asia, including ASAD, DAMAI, United Seniors Partylist and the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO). ADI Asia Pacific Regional Director DY Suharya worked closely with ADAP, under the leadership of President Alvin Cenina and Board Member, Michelle Anlacan, to help advance discussions on strengthening the national response to dementia. ADI warmly welcomes this commitment and looks forward to supporting efforts to translate it into meaningful policy action that improves the lives of people living with dementia and their carers across the Philippines.

This week, ADI’s Regional Director for Asia Pacific, DY Suharya, was delighted to support our member association, the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), under the leadership of Chair Renu Vohra, in advancing dementia awareness, care and advocacy across India. Throughout the week, ADI and ARDSI participated in high-level advocacy meetings, visits and speaking engagements, united by a shared commitment to improving the quality of life of the estimated 9 million people living with dementia in India and their carers. The visit also provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen collaboration with representatives of the WHO Country Office in India under the leadership of WR Yvan Hutin, D-WR Kim Hyo Jeong and NPO Malik Parmar, reinforcing our collective efforts to improve dementia care and support. Later in the week, ADI Chair Meera Pattabiraman and DY spoke at ARDSICON26, hosted by ARDSI Coimbatore in partnership with ARDSI National Office Delhi, Kochi, Mysore and Kolkata, Kottayım chapters, AIIMS supported by Kumaraguru Institutions, and NIMHANS. Meera focused on ADI’s role in supporting its members, recognising the leadership of Dr Selvaraj and Prabha at ARDSI Coimbatore. Meanwhile, DY spoke about building dementia-inclusive societies. The event brought together passionate experts, advocates and young people committed to raising dementia awareness and improving care and support. ADI extends its sincere thanks to the ARDSI team for their dedication, hospitality and unwavering commitment. Their work is a powerful reminder that meaningful change happens when we collaborate, advocate together and place people living with dementia and their families at the heart of everything we do. Looking ahead to ADI’s International Conference in New Delhi in March 2028, this visit also marks an important opportunity to build momentum towards a more dementia-inclusive India, including the development of a national dementia plan endorsed by the government and supported by stakeholders across the country. #RoadToDelhi2028

The ADI Atlas Open Webinar is just two weeks away. Ahead of the event, we are highlighting the type of information you can expect to find in the Alzheimer's Disease Atlas. The Atlas is an interactive digital platform that highlights the significant variation in how Alzheimer's disease is managed across the globe. Covering 137 countries and territories, it goes beyond simple statistics to focus on the journey of care that people and their families take while living with Alzheimer's disease. Through its interactive map, comparison tool and individual country profiles, users can see how different nations are tackling the challenges that come with a dementia diagnosis. Each country profile is organised into five categories: 🔴 Diagnosis: The diagnostic pathway people encounter in each country, including the tools in use (such as cognitive and imaging tests, biomarker analysis and genetic profiling), estimated wait times and diagnosis costs. 🔴 Treatment and Care: The regulatory status of symptomatic and disease-modifying therapies, specialist facilities such as memory clinics and day care centres, caregiver support options, treatment costs and financial assistance. 🔴 Policy: National dementia plans and upcoming strategies, along with the cultural and legal barriers people often face, covered in the Policy gaps subsection. 🔴 Research: Centres of excellence and academic hubs, clinical trial registries, and innovative methods such as AI-driven diagnostics, non-invasive retinal scans and blood tests. 🔴 Support: The NGOs, patient associations and community-led initiatives, such as dementia villages and carer cafés, that provide training, counselling and social connection. At the ADI Open Webinar, 'Alzheimer's Disease Atlas: Mapping global preparedness for dementia – are national dementia policies ready?', our panel will show how this information can support Alzheimer and dementia associations, strengthen collaboration, and inform policy and advocacy efforts worldwide. Join us on 22 October 2026 to explore the updated platform, discover key insights, and learn how the data can support action in your country. Register today! bit.ly/4hTDbg9 The webinar will be presented twice, ensuring global audiences have the best opportunity to join at a time that is convenient for them. Webinar times: 22 October 2026 at 10am BST 22 October 2026 at 4pm BST

ADI is pleased to announce that ‘The Brunei Action Plan for Older Persons: Towards Successful Ageing’ was officially launched on October 1, 2026. The launch event was held at the Jerudong Sports Complex by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Brunei and the Ministry of Health Brunei to commemorate the International Day of Older Persons and serves as a core framework alongside the newly forming National Ten-Year Roadmap for Successful Ageing. ADI would like to congratulate and thank our member, Demensia Brunei (@demensiabrunei) on their continued efforts to improve awareness, support and care for people living with dementia and their families across Brunei.

ADI member Fundación TASE has formally presented Ecuador’s Ministry of Health with a draft proposal for a National Dementia Plan, developed with technical support from ADI. The meeting brought together Fundación TASE’s Board and team, María José Mena, a senior official from Ecuador’s Ministry of Health, alongside technical teams from the Ministry and representatives from the Office of the Vice President. Diego Aguilar, ADI Regional Director for the Americas, joined remotely. The presentation marks an important advocacy milestone, opening a dialogue with national health authorities and paving the way for technical roundtables to explore how dementia can be better integrated into the country’s health policies and priorities. An important example of how Alzheimer and dementia associations can bring evidence, experience and concrete proposals directly into policy conversations. Congratulations to Fundación TASE for their leadership in advancing dementia policy in Ecuador. More information: fundaciontase.org/single-pos…

On 29 September 2026, Gambia launched its National Dementia Plan 2026–2031, the first in the African region. The five-year Plan seeks to focus on dementia awareness and public education, prevention and risk reduction, Early diagnosis and care, Support for families and caregivers as well as placing dignity, inclusion and the rights of people living with dementia at the forefront of its implementation. We congratulate the Gambian government on this achievement and look forward to seeing further developments.

As September comes to a close, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped make World Alzheimer’s Month 2026 such a powerful global campaign. ADI’s campaign and all of the incredible global activity, including Memory Walks, television and radio interviews, illuminated buildings, lectures, poster campaigns and online advocacy, would also not have been possible without the generous support of our World Alzheimer’s Month sponsors AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Danaher, Eisai, Eli Lilly & Company, GE Healthcare, Lantheus, MSD, Nutricia, Otsuka and Roche. Throughout the month, we have united to raise awareness of dementia, focusing on one important message: The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters. This year’s campaign has reached countless communities around the world with the aim of creating a truly global call for improved awareness, understanding and access to seek an early diagnosis, and the support, treatment and care to follow on from a diagnosis. Thank you for standing with us and helping make this campaign heard and felt globally. Want to support World Alzheimer’s Month 2027? For more information on how your organisation can get involved, please contact Nick House, Corporate Partnerships Development Manager: [email protected]. #WorldAlzMonth #DementiaDiagnosisMatters #AlzheimerDiagnosisMatters #EarlyDiagnosisMatters

Every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. But as much as 75% of all dementia cases go undiagnosed. 46% of people living with dementia and carers identified fear of the condition and stigma as barriers to them seeking diagnosis. 35% of carers across the world said that they have hidden the diagnosis of dementia of a family member. Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a care network, whose lives will be changed following a diagnosis. So why does an early dementia diagnosis matter? Receiving an earlier diagnosis can help people access care and support, connect with their community, and make informed decisions for the future. Crucially, an early diagnosis can help a person live independently for as long as possible. But in many parts of the world, access to receiving a diagnosis, as well as support following a diagnosis, is either insufficient, difficult to access, or not available at all. This is why, this World Alzheimer’s Month campaign, we are joining together with friends, peers, advocates, colleagues, health and care professionals around the world. To raise awareness, challenge misconceptions and encourage people to seek advice when concerns arise. As a global voice, we call on health care systems and governments to ensure that people can receive an early diagnosis, and the follow-on support every person deserves. So why does an early diagnosis matter? Because the ‘The earlier you know, the more you can do!' ADI thanks our 2026 Digital Intern Programme participants for helping us to share this important message! #WorldAlzMonth #DementiaDiagnosisMatters #AlzheimerDiagnosisMatters #EarlyDiagnosisMatters

This #WorldAlzMonth ADI is pleased to share a major update to the Alzheimer's Disease Atlas, expanding coverage from 102 to 137 countries and territories worldwide. Designed to deliver clear, data-led findings on healthcare infrastructure, diagnostic readiness, and policy frameworks worldwide, the recent updates to the AD Atlas mark another step forward in mapping the global health challenge of dementia. Key additions include countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Costa Rica, Ireland, Vietnam and Zambia, alongside territories such as Sint Maarten, the Cayman Islands, and Gibraltar. The update also includes additional data from The Bahamas, Iceland Luxembourg and Sri Lanka. Beyond expanding our reach, this release also introduces a refined scoring framework for greater accuracy in assessing dementia readiness and begins tracking the real-world rollout of next-generation amyloid-targeting therapies. Following this update, ADI will host an open webinar 'Alzheimer’s Disease Atlas: Mapping global preparedness for dementia – are national dementia policies ready? During the webinar, our panel will share perspectives on how the Alzheimer’s Disease Atlas can support Alzheimer’s and dementia associations, strengthen collaboration, and inform policy and advocacy efforts worldwide. Speakers will explore how the Atlas provides evidence to support action, strengthen national dementia responses, and improve the lives of people affected by dementia. Join our ADI Open Webinar highlighting the AD Atlas on 22 October 2026 to explore the updated platform, discover key insights, and learn how the data can support advocacy and health policy development. Register today: bit.ly/4hTDbg9 The webinar will be presented twice, ensuring global audiences have the best opportunity to join at a time that is convenient for them. Webinar times: 22 October 2026 at 10am BST 22 October 2026 at 4pm BST

As athlete, Matthew Rybicki, finishes his journey to run 14 marathons in 14 days across the length of Poland in support of ADI, we would like to take a moment to spotlight his incredible efforts during #WorldAlzMonth. During his fundraising campaign, Matthew has raised over $4,000 for ADI – money that will have a direct impact on ADI’s work in advocating for people living with dementia globally. If you would like to follow along with and see Matthew’s journey in its entirety from the mountains at Zakopane to the Baltic coast finish line in Gdańsk, you can see more at @bymateuszz on Instagram and TikTok. If you would like to donate in support of Matthew’s run, please visit runacrosspoland.com/ Please join us in congratulating Matthew on this show of determination, of physical and mental strength, and join us as we express our deep gratitude for his efforts to raise awareness to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Did you know there is more than one kind of dementia? This World Alzheimer’s Month we are issuing a global call to ask about dementia. By asking questions and learning more, we can break down stigma, encourage earlier recognition and support families everywhere. Here are some of the most common types of dementia: 🔴 Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for up to three quarters of all cases. It is associated with abnormal protein build-ups, such as beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, in the brain that contribute to damage to nerve cells and affect memory, speech and decision-making. 🔴 Vascular dementia is the second most common type. It develops when blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced, often after a series of mini strokes. Over time this can lead to confusion and difficulties with concentration. 🔴 Dementia with Lewy bodies accounts for around one in ten cases of dementia. It is associated with abnormal protein deposits in brain cells and can lead to vivid hallucinations, sleep disturbances and changes in movement alongside cognitive decline. It takes its name from abnormal accumulations of the alpha-synuclein protein in the brain, known as Lewy bodies. 🔴 Fronto-temporal dementia is rarer but often develops earlier in life. It affects the frontal lobe of the brain and is marked by changes in personality, mood and behaviour, while memory may remain intact in the early stages. This month let us ask more questions about dementia and bring greater awareness of its different forms to communities all around the world. Learn more about the types of dementia on the ADI website: alzint.org/about/dementia-fa… The earlier you know, the more you can do. A dementia diagnosis matters. #WorldAlzMonth #DementiaDiagnosisMatters #AlzheimerDiagnosisMatters #EarlyDiagnosisMatters

The number of people living with dementia is expected to rise sharply in the coming decades. By 2030, an estimated 78 million people will be living with dementia globally. By 2050, that number is projected to reach 139 million. Behind the forecasted numbers are millions of people, families and communities whose lives will be affected. As the number of people living with dementia grows, ensuring earlier access to diagnosis will become increasingly important. A diagnosis can help people understand their cognitive changes, access treatment, care and support, and make decisions about the future. We need health and care systems that are ready to recognise dementia as a major health challenge, and support people up to the point of diagnosis and beyond. The earlier you know, the more you can do. A dementia diagnosis matters. #WorldAlzMonth #DementiaDiagnosisMatters #AlzheimerDiagnosisMatters #EarlyDiagnosisMatter

Costa Rica, the first country in Latin America to adopt a National Dementia Plan, has taken initial steps towards reviewing and updating the plan, which came to an end in 2024. Diego Aguilar, ADI Regional Director for the Americas, joined representatives from the Ministry of Health, PAHO and ASCADA, ADI’s member association in Costa Rica, for a meeting at the PAHO offices in San José to discuss possible pathways for updating the plan. The meeting resulted in initial agreements to continue working together, recognising the importance of collaboration between government and civil society in developing and implementing an effective national response to dementia. The conversation continued through a technical roundtable convened by ASCADA, bringing together health professionals, researchers and academics to contribute evidence, experience and different perspectives on the country’s future dementia response. ADI will continue to work alongside ASCADA and national and regional partners to support Costa Rica as it moves towards the next phase of its dementia response. Learn more about ASCADA: alzint.org/member/asociacion… #WorldAlzMonth

This month, landmarks and buildings around the world will light up in purple to mark and celebrate World Alzheimer's Month. 💜 From cities and communities across the globe, these illuminations are a powerful reminder that people living with dementia, their families and carers are not alone, shining a light on this year's message: The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters. Thank you to everyone taking part and helping us raise awareness, challenge stigma and make dementia visible. Together, let's light up the world for dementia. #WorldAlzMonth #DementiaDiagnosisMatters #AlzheimerDiagnosisMatters #EarlyDiagnosisMatters This photo features illuminated buildings in Buenos Aires, Dominica, Jakarta, Kolkata, Mexico City, Quito, Rio de Janeiro and Singapore.