Alzheimer Europe's May 2026 newsletter brings you the latest news on developments in the dementia field, across Europe and beyond.

Summaries of a few of our top stories appear below.

Our monthly newsletter reaches almost 11,000 people, who have an interest in dementia, from across Europe and beyond.

We are always happy to receive feedback, or suggestions regarding news items to share.

On 5 May 2026, during Alzheimer Europe's meetings in Brussels (Belgium) with sponsors and national member associations, Jean Georges, the organisation’s Executive Director, announced his planned retirement at the end of this year, after 30 years leading the organisation. He also shared plans for his succession. Our current Director for Research, Angela Bradshaw, will become the new Executive Director as of 1 January 2027 and as of 1 July will become deputy to Jean. Her role leading the research team will pass to Cindy Birck.

On 5 May, Alzheimer Europe held a lunch debate in the European Parliament in Brussels (Belgium), entitled “Dementia as a Priority in EU Policies”, with around 90 people in attendance, including seven Members of the European Parliament (MEPs): Hilde Vautmans MEP (Belgium), Nina Carberry MEP (Ireland), Maria Guzenina MEP (Finland), Marit Maij MEP (Netherlands), Nikos Papandreou MEP (Greece), Maria Zacharia MEP (Greece) and Tomáš Zdechovský MEP (Czechia). The meeting was hosted by Co-Chair of the European Alzheimer’s Alliance (EAA), Hilde Vautmans MEP (Belgium). 

On 14 May, Biogen announced topline results from its Phase II CELIA study evaluating diranersen, an investigational therapy targeting tau in people with early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). According to the company, the results provide evidence showing both reduction in Tau pathology and cognitive benefit in people with early AD.

Our Anti-Stigma Award applications close on 26 June, so please ensure that any submissions for the Award, this year aimed at recognising a European initiative or artist that brings together music and dementia, are submitted on time, using the application form available on our website. Registrations are also open, through our conference website, for the Award Ceremony in Dublin in October.

As preparations are underway for the next Alzheimer Europe conference in beautiful Dublin, the early bird registration for the event is open only until 30 June! Take advantage of the early bird registration fees, where full registration includes access to all sessions, networking events, the exhibition hall, refreshments, and more.