Since 2021, the National Dementia Conference (NDC) has been organised by Alzheimer Switzerland in cooperation with Public Health Switzerland. It has since developed into a key platform for information and professional exchange in Switzerland. The 2025 edition, titled “The future of dementia: new horizons, new hope?”, focused on recent advances in dementia research, particularly antibody therapies (AAT) and blood-based biomarkers (BBB). The opportunities, risks and real-life applications of these developments were discussed in a differentiated and practical way. Ethical issues, economic implications and the personal meaning of such innovations for those affected were addressed with equal weight. A strong emphasis was placed on holistic treatment approaches that combine medical and psychosocial support.
The conference highlighted that quality of life depends not only on medication but also on good care, social inclusion and understanding. Ethical questions took centre stage: Who should have access to new treatments? What does “hope” mean in the context of an incurable disease? And how do we deal with medical and emotional uncertainties? People with dementia and their families were actively involved. A panel discussion featured individuals who had taken part in clinical AAT trials and someone currently undergoing treatment, offering unique personal insights. The 2025 conference attracted around 420 participants, specialists, people with dementia, and carers, onsite in Bern and online. This strong turnout reflects the high level of interest in well-founded knowledge and open dialogue.
Once again, the NDC demonstrated that meaningful progress in dementia care depends on knowledge-sharing, reflection, and openness to new ideas. Alzheimer Switzerland is pleased with the great interest and is already preparing the next edition: The National Dementia Conference 2026 will explore “Dementia and diversity – diversity and equal opportunities in care” and will take place on 28 April 2026 (again in a hybrid version). More information and recordings from the 2025 conference are available on the conference website (in German and French).