Alzheimer Scotland’s Annual Conference 2026 brought together people with lived experience, families, professionals, researchers and campaigners for a day of ideas, discussion and connection at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
The conference took place on Friday 18 September and built on the momentum of Dementia Awareness Week and Alzheimer Scotland’s campaigning work. Under the theme “Better Care, Full Stop.”, the programme explored how collective action, shared voice and practical innovation could improve dementia care now and in the future.
The Scottish Dementia Working Group and the National Dementia Carers Action Network were central to the conference. Their members presented in every session, ensuring that the experiences and priorities of people living with dementia and unpaid carers remained at the heart of the day.
Policy and participation – Why change today could transform tomorrow
The morning focused on the changes needed to deliver better care. Speakers and panel discussions considered policy priorities, women’s brain health and progress towards Dementia Pathway Guarantees. Throughout the session, delegates were invited to reflect on what they heard and share what stood out most to them.
Innovation in practice - Creative approaches changing the landscape
In the afternoon, attention turned to the future of support. The programme explored childhood dementia, innovations in technology and lessons from international dementia leadership—while also asking what Scotland could contribute to the global conversation. Audience discussion remained central, creating space to identify what was working well and where services and support still needed to improve.
Research and hope - Looking forward to better care
The final session examined how research was creating hope for the future. Contributions covered innovative clinical trials, new approaches to brain health and the vision of the Scottish Brain Health Council, followed by a discussion about Scotland’s research priorities.
Have your say - A conference shaped by shared voice
The Scottish Dementia Working Group and the National Dementia Carers Action Network were central to the conference and presented in every session. Their contributions ensured that lived experience and the voices of unpaid carers shaped discussions about care, services, innovation and research priorities. Connect and contribute and was more than a programme of talks.
Registration opened at 9am, with time for the marketplace and networking. An extended lunch included the Big Conversation, chaired by former First Minister Henry McLeish, which gave delegates another opportunity to influence future policy and campaigning priorities.
The day offered opportunities to learn, connect and add to an important conversation about what better dementia care should look like—and how people could work together to make it happen.
Lived experience was not an addition to the programme—it helped shape the conversation throughout the day.
