Alzheimer Europe 2026 Conference Highlights - Part One

This episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast comes from the 36th Alzheimer Europe Conference in Dublin. Researchers, policymakers and people with lived experience met there under the theme “Sláinte: Building momentum in dementia through policy, research and partnership”. Hosted by Dr Jodi Watt from the University of Glasgow, the episode features Dr Rasa Mikelytė from the University of Kent, Dr Julieta Camino from the University of East Anglia and Dr Catherine Quinn from the University of Bradford. It was recorded at the end of the second day. There was far more going on than any one person could see, so the panel take turns sharing the sessions, posters and conversations that made them think. Many of their picks are about everyday parts of life with dementia that research can overlook, from the chairs people sit in all day to how farmers access services. Rights and identity come up throughout. People living with dementia spoke about the right to stay at home. There was discussion of the language we use about dementia. And LGBTQIA+ sessions made non-binary and trans experiences part of the conversation. Young onset dementia had more attention than the panel has seen before, and they reflect on the “A Day in My Life” plenary and what it showed about working carers. In this episode: Why being seen, heard and valued still needs saying How the right chair can change life in advanced dementia Who decides the language we use about dementia Making sure co-creation is more than a label Rights, from staying at home to deprivation of liberty Young onset dementia moves up the agenda LGBTQIA+ lives and the strength of belonging Where lived experience fits at Alzheimer Europe -- A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk. If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and on our website. Leave us a tip: https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/support Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social Download and Register with our Community App: https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors. Subscribe to our sister show 'Dementia Researcher The Blogs': https://podfollow.com/dementia-researcher-blogs