ADI unveils the newly-developed online Alzheimer University

Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) proudly introduces the new and revamped online Alzheimer University (AU). Through a comprehensive educational programme and a supportive community, ADI aims to empower and equip dementia association representatives worldwide with the expertise and resources needed to strengthen their organisations, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for people with dementia and their carers in their respective countries.

The Alzheimer University is a fundamental part of ADI’s global partnerships with dementia and Alzheimer’s Associations around the world. Since 1998, each year ADI has provided a series of workshops for association staff and volunteers to help them strengthen their organisation. Often, participants took part in the AU as part of their inclusion in the ADI Membership Development Programme, which supported those taking part to become full ADI members. For those who were able to attend these workshops, they provided deep insights and capacity building in areas such as identifying association aims, advocacy, fundraising governance and public policy. 

At the beginning of 2025, ADI  facilitated the Alzheimer University’s move online, making it easier than ever for participants to access content, connect with experts, and build a strong peer community from anywhere in the world. The new format has been designed to let participants learn on their own schedule, access timely support and a wider range of materials, including workshops led by subject matter experts within ADI and interactive peer sessions.  

Paola Barbarino, CEO of ADI shares her thoughts on the AU relaunch:

For over 20 years, the Alzheimer University has been a cornerstone of ADI’s mission, supporting our member associations in their work. However, as our global community has grown, so have the needs and expectations of our members. This reimagined Alzheimer University is a response to that evolution. I am truly excited to see this long-awaited transformation come to fruition, with the aim of equipping our members with the skills and resources they need to drive meaningful change worldwide. 

The relaunched AU seeks to provide value and flexibility for both current and aspiring ADI members, with a focus on practical, real-world learning that participants can immediately apply in their work. With this approach, the aim is to make the AU not only more inclusive, but also more impactful by extending online workshop beyond those taking part in the Membership Development Programme; with some sessions being available to full ADI members who wish to hone and improve their knowledge in particular areas.  

The AU will also provide the opportunity for members to meet in person, where members can connect face-to-face and strengthen their networks. 

Gatot Prihandoko, Alzhiemer Indonesia, shares her feedback following the first workshop in the new format, focusing on ‘Leadership and Governance’. 

Gatot said:  

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to take part in the first workshop of the ADI Alzheimer University programme – I do personally appreciate ADI’s commitment to providing high-quality learning sessions and I am looking forward to applying what I have learned with my role in “Education and Research” at Alzheimer Indonesia. 

From 2025-26 the ADI team is pleased to be designing and facilitating workshops in the following areas:  

 

Workshop 1 – Leadership & Governance 
Workshop 2 – Fundraising & Grant Management    
Workshop 3 – Event & Conference Planning    
Workshop 4 – Information & Community Outreach 
Workshop 5 – Programme Development & Management 
Workshop 6 – Communication Strategies   
Workshop 7 – Involving people with dementia and carers 
Workshop 8 – Volunteer Recruitment & Management 
Workshop 9 – Dementia Research Participation 
Workshop 10 – Public Relations & Media Engagement    
Workshop 11 – Presentation & Impact – sharing your story 
Workshop 12 – Advocacy & Public Policy 

Laura Aubert, Head of Membership at ADI, has been instrumental in bringing this reimagined programme to life, ensuring that the AU remains fit for purpose in the digital world.  

Laura shares her thoughts on the launch:  

I am so thrilled with the successful launch of the first module of the Alzheimer University programme! A heartfelt thank you to Paola for being such an inspiring and engaging module leader, and to our wonderful participants from around the world for their positivity, willingness to learn, share experiences, and embrace challenges throughout the workshop. I am really looking forward to seeing their action plans and regrouping in a few weeks for the peer learning review session and drop-in surgery for further discussions. Don’t forget, the next module on Fundraising and Grant Management with Nikki Baylis, ADI Director of Development,  is just around the corner!