From March 10 to 14 2025, ADI CEO Paola Barbarino and ADI’s Director of Research and Publications, Wendy Weidner travelled to the Eastern Coast of the United States for a series of crucial meetings with leading universities, research centres, and industry innovators, to learn more about their current research around dementia.
Their visit came at a pivotal moment. Whereas new breakthroughs in diagnostics and treatments have brought increased momentum to the field of dementia research, recent cuts to research funding and hiring freezes at universities threaten to stall programmes and progress. Although challenging times may lie ahead, the thought leaders Paola and Wendy met with showed determination to continue this important work.
The first leg of the trip took place in Boston, where Paola and Wendy spoke to a wide variety of experts: from Harvard professors to researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital and from the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centre and the VA Boston Healthcare System, among others. Discussions revolved around the use of ‘big data’ to help drive risk reduction and early detection, understanding genetic risk in diverse populations, new research around risk factors such as air pollution, and the experience of rolling out new disease modifying therapies. Research discussions considered the hopes and concerns for the future, and how international collaborations have been progressing amidst an increasingly challenging global geopolitical climate.
Alzheimer’s and dementia largely rely on the global nature of studies, diverse case examples, and innovative ideas to propel both their own work and the field forwards, making international collaboration a cornerstone of their work. Supporting international collaborations through research and fostering an environment where new discovering can take root, greater hope can be offered to breakthroughs in the future. Irrespective of international borders, dementia numbers are growing globally and collaborative efforts from across the globe are required to pave the path forwards.
Paola and Wendy then travelled to New York to meet with friends and colleagues from Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Fund as well as members of our Medical and Scientific Advisory Panel (MSAP) working at Mt Sinai and NYU, as well as thought leaders from Columbia University. Discussions ranged from the importance of epidemiology and supporting carers to opportunities for early detection and access to treatment as well as new discoveries in basic science and new research into brain plasticity and resilience in dementia.
Overall, the intensive week of productive meetings showcased the impressive advances that have been made to the field of dementia and Alzheimer’s research that have taken place in the last 10 years.
Paola said:
During our time in New York, Wendy and I came out of all our meetings buzzing: there are so many great ideas and projects in development that could really have a great impact on people all over the world. Unfortunately, we also learned there have also been significant cuts to research funding, which risk impacting the provision of vital services and critical research efforts into dementia. So much has been achieved in this field in the last 10 years, and each layer of knowledge we add opens up new questions and further opportunities, but we have to ensure that these advancements are able to continue amidst a challenging geopolitical climate.
About her experience in the US, Wendy said:
Our trip to the East Coast coincided with announcements of significant funding cuts and freezes to dementia research projects. These unsettling changes will undoubtedly have a profound impact on our sector – but everyone we spoke with showed grit and determination to continue this important work. I am convinced science and civil service will find a way.
Read ADI’s Statement on concern over cuts to overseas development aid and research