This year, the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), the biggest dementia research event in the calendar, brought together experts and industry in Philadelphia, USA. Diego Aguilar, ADI’s Regional Director for the Americas, and Nick House, Corporate Partnerships Development Manager joined the 9,000 delegates for key meetings, side events and the latest in breaking research and news.
Diego Aguilar, has been at the forefront of advocating for the implementation of National Dementia Plans in the Americas. At AAIC Diego was invited to share his insights on ‘Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s disease: Implications for people with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, and beyond’, in conversation with Dr. Marwan Sabbagh. During this vital symposium Diego discussed the recent breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s disease research and posed critical and timely questions on the far-reaching implications of these advancements, urging for care to not be left behind in the race towards new and developing treatments.
Participating in the AAIC and sharing insights from Latin America and the Caribbean was an incredible opportunity to spotlight the recent breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s disease research. It’s crucial that as we celebrate these advancements, we also recognize the profound implications they hold for people with dementia, their carers, and society at large. In low- and middle-income countries, unequal access to these innovations remains a significant challenge. We must ensure that care does not lag behind in the race towards developing new treatments, advocating for equitable access so that all communities can benefit from these advancements. Our efforts should encompass not just the promise of future therapies but also the immediate needs of those living with dementia today. – Diego Aguilar
At the conference, Diego also presented a poster, highlighting ADI’s ongoing work in advocating for National Dementia Plans, through raising awareness, advocating and working with governments in the Americas to prioritise dementia policy and commit to develop and implement plans.
It is only through collaboration with key stakeholders, and supporting our member association. The development of National Dementia Plans only comes through collaboration of all key stakeholders, and it is vital we keep recent momentum going, with our member associations working with their WHO/PAHO Country Offices and building strong and transparent relationships with governments – Diego Aguilar
Diego highlighted the progress made in Latin America and the Caribbean, where countries like Uruguay and Brazil have recently implemented their own National Dementia Plans. These countries join Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, which have already taken this crucial step.
However, countries such as Argentina, Colombia, and Peru have yet to establish their own National Dementia Plans, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and collaboration.
Nick House, ADI’s Corporate Partnerships Manager, displayed his usual stamina in scheduling meetings from dawn until dusk each day of the event, making the absolute most of his time in Philadelphia.
We are at a pivotal moment in dementia research, with breakthrough disease modifying and symptomatic treatments and diagnostics, and It was thewas the perfect forum to meet many of our corporate partners and to foster and build new relationships by sharing our vision and mission whilst continuing to demonstrate the unique benefits with working with ADI. – Nick House