As thousands of the world’s leading dementia researchers, clinicians, dementia care professionals and leaders gathered this week for the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), the London Convention Bureau welcomed attendees by illuminating the London Eye in the Association’s signature purple.
The display symbolised the international effort to advance Alzheimer’s and dementia research and combat one of the world’s biggest public health challenges – and the UK’s biggest killer.
Nearly 1million people in the UK are living with dementia, a number projected to reach 1.4million by 2040. More than 76,000 people died of dementia in 2024, making the disease the country’s biggest killer.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organisation dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
The AAIC is the largest international forum to advance dementia science and clinical practice.
The AAIC 2026 will bring together more than 13,000 registered attendees – including researchers, dementia care clinicians and professionals and people living with dementia and their care partners – from 111 countries.
The conference met this week at ExCeL London, near Canary Wharf, east London, and will showcase the latest research and advances in brain health.
These advances included blood tests that may provide earlier and more accurate Alzheimer’s diagnosis and predict future cognitive decline; globally adaptable lifestyle interventions to reduce dementia risk; promising new treatments for agitation in advanced Alzheimer’s disease; and research exploring the effects of professional football on brain health.
Maria C. Carrillo, PHD, Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer and medical affairs lead, said: “As the burden of dementia grows worldwide, this gathering of the global dementia research community in London affirms a vital public health message: we’re seeing unprecedented momentum in the search for better ways to detect, treat and ultimately prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.”
Suzanne Singleton, head of associations at the London Convention Bureau, said: “We’re proud to welcome the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, with London supporting the fight against dementia.
“Hosting world-leading scientific and medical events like AAIC reflects the capital’s position as a premier destination for international association conferences.
“The London Eye lighting up in purple is a powerful symbol of our city’s support for the global dementia community and our commitment to providing a platform for exceptional research, collaboration and lasting impact.”
The London Convention Bureau is part of London and Partners, an agency tasked with driving growth in the capital, and they work with event professionals, meeting organisers, and incentive planners to help facilitate conferences like AAIC.
Featured image credit: Emily Coombes
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