- Conference offers a unique opportunity to spotlight dementia on both national and European policy agendas
- First time Ireland hosts the Alzheimer Europe Conference since 2005
Dublin, 9 October 2026, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) and Alzheimer Europe are delighted to announce that Ireland will host the prestigious 36th Alzheimer Europe Conference from 27-29 October 2026, at the Convention Centre Dublin.
Themed ‘Sláinte: Building momentum in dementia through policy, research and partnership’, the event is anticipated to welcome more than 1,200 delegates from across Europe, including a strong representation from Ireland.
The conference comes at a critical time for Ireland, where dementia is increasing in prevalence and placing growing pressure on families, communities and the healthcare system. With Ireland set to hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the conference offers a unique opportunity to spotlight dementia on both national and European policy agendas.
The event unites people living with dementia, family carers, researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to share knowledge, shape policy, and drive innovation in care and treatment.
A significant aspect of the conference is the active participation of advocates living with dementia and family carers, whose voices are central to discussions on Person Public Involvement (PPI) in research and advocacy.
Delegates will discuss emerging research opportunities, new approaches to treatment, and the challenges of translating scientific developments – such as e-health interventions – into everyday practice.
The event also provides a valuable platform for networking between researchers, clinicians, people living with dementia, and advocates from Ireland and other European countries. The conference also champions inclusivity, intersectionality, advocates for better care and works to reduce stigma, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued.
This will be the first time Ireland hosts the Alzheimer Europe Conference since 2005, made possible thanks to Fáilte Ireland and the Dublin Convention Centre for their support in securing the bid.
The Alzheimer Europe Conference has previously been held in cities such as Geneva, Helsinki, and Bucharest, and this year’s 35th edition took place in Bologna, Italy. Ireland’s hosting in 2026 marks a significant moment for the country’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of those affected.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland CEO, Andy Heffernan said:
“I am proud and delighted that Ireland will host the Alzheimer Europe Conference in Dublin in 2026. This is a significant moment for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland – reflecting European recognition of our leadership in elevating dementia and highlighting the incredible work and reputation of our wonderful team and advocates have built over time. I know we will showcase the best of ourselves at the conference next October.
“We are committed to ensuring this conference is inclusive of everyone, especially people living with dementia and family carers. Their voices and experiences must continue to shape the future of dementia care, research and policy. Alongside our partners in Alzheimer Europe, we look forward to welcoming delegates from across the continent and showcasing our work in collaboration with the wider dementia sector including the Government, the Department of Health, the HSE, and National Dementia Services, Academia, Clinical research and more. We can all take pride in the part we will play in making this a success.
“The Alzheimer Society of Ireland plays an important role in Alzheimer Europe with Dr Kevin Quaid and Paddy Crosbie representing the organisation in its advocacy groups. Indeed, we have a rich history in Alzheimer Europe, and I'm delighted to welcome the conference 'home' to Ireland. Let’s show Europe the best of what Ireland can offer in terms of dementia research, policy, partnerships and support for people impacted by dementia.
“We can use this event as a launchpad to further animate the cause of dementia in Ireland. Finally, I am very grateful to Alzheimer Europe, Fáilte Ireland and the Dublin Convention Centre for their support in recent years to make this conference a reality. Sláinte - to health, hope, and progress.”
Alzheimer Europe Executive Director, Jean Georges said:
"We are delighted to invite you to the 36th Alzheimer Europe Conference (#36AEC), which will be organised in the beautiful city of Dublin from 27th to 29th October 2026, in collaboration with our colleagues at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. After a successful Annual Conference in Killarney in 2005, this will be the second time that an Alzheimer Europe Conference is organised in Ireland.
“The conference motto will be “Sláinte: Building momentum in dementia through policy, research and partnership” and we look forward to working with our Irish colleagues to make sure that this event is a fantastic networking and learning opportunity, bringing together people with lived experience of dementia, as well as volunteers and staff of national Alzheimer associations, policy makers, health and social care professionals, researchers, academics and industry representatives from across Europe and beyond. Alzheimer Europe conferences are truly unique, attracting representatives with hugely varied backgrounds and nationalities and we are sure that our Dublin conference will continue this trend.
“I have a huge amount of admiration for the work being done by The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, in the areas of advocacy, policy, research and public involvement, among others. They do a tremendous job helping to improve the lives of people with dementia and carers, championing their rights, working together with policymakers at regional, national and European level, and pushing the research and public involvement agendas forward, ensuring the voices of people with lived experience are listened to, in all these areas.
“We hope you will join us next year, in Dublin’s fair city and, in the meantime, Go n-éireoidh an bóthar chun bualadh leat!"
Chair of the European Working Group of People with Dementia, Dr Kevin Quaid
Dr Kevin Quaid, Chair of both the European Working Group of People with Dementia and the Irish Dementia Working Group, is originally from County Limerick and now lives in Cork. He lives with Lewy body dementia and is a passionate advocate for the rights of people living with the condition.
“It’s a real honour to see Ireland host the Alzheimer Europe Conference in 2026. As someone living with Lewy body dementia, I know how important it is for our voices to be heard. This conference brings those voices to the forefront - right here in Ireland - and helps shape the future of dementia care and policy across Europe and at home.”
Member of the European Dementia Carers Working Group, Paddy Crosbie
Paddy Crosbie, a member of both the European Dementia Carers Working Group and the Dementia Carers Campaign Network cared for his husband Derek, who passed away in 2021 after living with young-onset dementia. Paddy is a passionate advocate for the rights of family carers.
“It’s fantastic to see Ireland host the Alzheimer Europe Conference in 2026. As someone who cared for a loved one with young-onset dementia, I know how important it is for carers to be part of the conversation. This conference gives us a chance to share our experiences, raise awareness, and help influence real change - both in Ireland and across Europe.”
For more information, visit alzheimer.ie
For media enquiries, contact Jocelyn Grant, Communications & Relationship Manager at jocelyn.grant@alzheimer.ie / (+353) 085 856 7143
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
About Alzheimer Europe:
Alzheimer Europe is the umbrella organisation of national Alzheimer associations and currently has 41 member organisations in 36 European countries. https://www.alzheimer-europe.org/
About The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI):
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is the leading dementia-specific service provider in Ireland. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland works across the country in the heart of local communities providing dementia-specific services and support and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers. Our vision is an Ireland where people on the journey of dementia are valued and supported. A national non-profit organisation, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland advocates, empowers and champions the rights of people living with dementia and their communities to quality support and services. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland also operates the Alzheimer National Helpline offering information and support to anyone affected by dementia on 1800 341 341.
Alzheimer National Helpline:
For more information on our supports and services during this challenging time, please contact The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline. The Helpline is open six days a week, Monday to Friday, 10 am – 5 pm, and Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, on 1800 341 341. Email at helpline@alzheimer.ie or via Live Chat at www.alzheimer.ie.
ABOUT DEMENTIA
● There are 64,000 people with dementia in Ireland, and the number of people with the condition will double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.*
● There are 11,000 new cases of dementia in Ireland each year. That’s at least 30 people every day, and anyone can get dementia - even people in their 30s/40s/50s.**
● Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions that cause brain changes and damage.
● Dementia is progressive. There is currently no cure. Dementia is not simply a health issue but a social issue that requires a community response.
● The majority of people with dementia (63%) live at home in the community. Over 180,000 people in Ireland are currently or have been carers for a family member or partner with dementia, with many more providing support and care in other ways.
● 1 in 10 people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland is under 65.
● The overall cost of dementia care in Ireland is just over €1.69 billion per annum; 48% of this is attributable to family care; 43% is by residential care; formal health and social care services contribute only 9% to the total cost.
Figures referenced to Cahill, S. & Pierce, M. (2013) The Prevalence of Dementia in Ireland
*Figure referenced from Alzheimer Europe (2020) Dementia in Europe Yearbook 2019 ‘Estimating the prevalence of dementia in Europe’
**Figure referenced from Pierce, T., O’Shea, E. and Carney P. (2018) Estimates of the prevalence, incidence and severity of dementia in Ireland.
Image caption:
Pictured at the Alzheimer Europe Conference in Bologna, Oct 2025. Back row, l-r: Cíara O'Reilly, Research Project Officer, The ASI, Cathryn O’Leary, National Community Engagement Manager, The ASI, Dr. Fergus Timmons, Learning and Development Quality, Innovation and Growth Manager, The ASI, Nuala Paley, Member of the DCCN. Middle row, l-r: Paddy Crosbie, Member of the European Dementia Carers Working Group and the Dementia Carers Campaign Network (DCCN), Niamh Burke, Communications Officer Lead, The ASI, Andy Heffernam, CEO, The ASI, Dr Kevin Quaid, Chair of the European Working Group of People with Dementia and the Irish Dementia Working Group (IDWG), Gerry Paley, Member of the IDWG. Front row, l-r: Saoirse Kelly, Advocacy, Engagement and Participation Officer, The ASI, Samantha Taylor, Head of Risk, Compliance and Dementia Advisory Services, Siobhan O'Connor, Head of Operations & Community Engagement, The ASI, Kate Irving, Board Member, The ASI. | 
