ADPD 2026 Conference Highlights - Part Two
Dementia Researcher Vodcast
03/29/26
•47m
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This episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast continues our coverage from the AD PD Conference 2026 in Copenhagen, one of the largest international meetings focused on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Hosted by Professor Louise Serpell, the conversation brings together Athina Grigoriou, Dr Lauren O’Neill, and Dr Sofie Let Frandsen, each sharing highlights from across the conference.
The discussion spans a wide range of topics, from the biological role of alpha synuclein and mitochondrial dysfunction, through to emerging therapeutic targets and the growing importance of biomarkers. There is a strong focus on how diseases are more complex and varied than once thought, with increasing attention on stratification, personalised medicine, and early detection.
Alongside the science, the episode also reflects on the importance of patient voices, collaboration across disciplines, and the value of sharing both positive and negative research findings.
This is Part Two of our AD PD 2026 reflections, offering a thoughtful look at where the field is heading next.
ADPD Conference Website - adpd.kenes.com/
Top Takeaways:
- Alpha synuclein may have a normal physiological role, not just a pathological one
- Mitochondrial dysfunction remains central in Parkinson’s mechanisms
- Biomarkers are key for both early detection and patient stratification
- Diseases like Parkinson’s and dementia are highly heterogeneous
- Personalised medicine is becoming a realistic goal, not just an idea
- New therapeutic targets beyond dopamine are emerging
- Early stage and presymptomatic intervention is a major focus
- Patient and carer perspectives remain underrepresented but essential
- Collaboration and openness, including sharing negative results, are vital
- More diverse populations are needed to validate biomarkers globally
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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:
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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':
Previous Episode
ADPD 2026 Conference Highlights - Part One
March 28
•42m
This episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast comes from the AD PD Conference 2026 in Copenhagen, bringing together global researchers to share the latest in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease research.
Hosted by Professor David Cash, the episode features Grace Thompson, Dr Marieta Vassileva, and Dr Alice Carstairs, each offering their own highlights from across the conference.
Rather than trying to cover everything, the conversation focuses on standout talks and emerging themes. These include advances in biomarkers, growing interest in co pathology, the role of neuroinflammation, and how new tools like AI and multiomics are changing how we understand disease.
Across the discussion, the group reflects on what new findings might mean for diagnosis, treatment, and the future direction of dementia research. There is also a strong sense of optimism, with the field moving towards combination therapies and earlier intervention.
This is Part One of a two part series capturing reflections from the conference.
ADPD Conference Website - adpd.kenes.com/
Top Takeaways:
- Biomarkers are now central across diagnosis, prediction, and trials
- Co pathology is a major theme, with diseases rarely existing in isolation
- Tau is emerging as a key driver of cognitive decline
- Microglia and neuroinflammation offer new therapeutic targets
- Multiomics is helping uncover detailed disease mechanisms
- AI is becoming essential for handling complex datasets
- Early career researchers are playing a visible role at major conferences
- Synaptic loss is strongly linked to cognitive decline
- Combination therapies are increasingly seen as the future
- The field feels more optimistic than in previous years
A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
Follow us on social media:
- www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
- www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
- www.twitter.com/demrescommunity
- www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
- www.bsky.app/profile/dementiare...archer.bsky.social
Download and Register with our Community App:
Next Episode
Rethinking Wandering in Care Homes
April 10
•53m
In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast Dr Anna Volkmer hosts a discussion exploring the complexities of wandering in dementia care.
Dr Bryony Waters-Harvey & Dr Emma Hock from The University of Sheffield and Conny McGowan from The Orders of St John Care Trust discuss their research and outcomes of the NIHR funded "FREEDEM study" - Reframing 'wandering' as a meaningful activity using realist synthesis and qualitative exploration
Takeaways
- Wandering is often a meaningful activity for residents.
- Individualised care plans are crucial for supporting residents.
- Language matters in how we perceive wandering.
- Positive risk-taking can enhance residents' quality of life.
- Hydration and nutrition are important for wandering residents.
- Research should focus on the positive aspects of wandering.
- Care staff need training to support safe wandering.
- Environmental factors significantly impact wandering behavior.
- Residents should have access to outdoor spaces.
- Future research should involve residents and their families
Access the toolkit and resources:
https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/freedem/home
Strategies to support safe wandering in care homes for older adults – what works, for whom, and in which circumstances? A realist synthesis:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020748926000192
--
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':
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