Experts from the UK, USA, Australia and China will be speaking at the Alzheimer Scotland Annual Conference 2016 set to be attended by 600 people
Leading dementia speakers from round the world will feature at a global conference being held in Edinburgh next month.
Hosted by Alzheimer Scotland, up to 600 people from Scotland, the UK and internationally will gather at the event on 3 June in the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Taking place during Scotland’s Dementia Awareness Week, the conference will explore the theme of Global to local: research, practice, innovation.
Delegates will include people with dementia, carers, policy makers, national and local government staff, academics, health and care professionals, staff from Alzheimer and dementia associations, along with representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, financial, legal, property and technology sectors.
Attracting globally recognised speakers is reflective of how highly Scotland is regarded for its dementia work
One of the main speakers, Dr. G. Allen Power from the University of Rochester, USA, will share insights into the use of psychoactive drugs at home, in care homes and hospitals.
Speaking to TFN, he said: “Although this is my first visit to Scotland, the work of Alzheimer Scotland and the pioneering advocacy of the Scottish Dementia Working Group are both internationally recognised for their leadership in promoting a balanced approach to care and support for people who live with the diagnosis.
“I am excited to be able to meet the other participants and learn more about the great work being done in Scotland.”
Also speaking will be Kate Swaffer from Alzheimer Australia, who will discuss living with a semantic dementia diagnosis and Professor Wang on how China is turning to the community to help with challenges of mass migration from rural to urban environments.
“It’s fantastic to see so many leading experts coming together to help make this a major event in Scotland’s dementia conference calendar and it is certainly our most ambitious programme to date,” Chris Lynch, deputy director of communications and marketing at Alzheimer Scotland said.
“With the number of people living with dementia on the rise, it is vital that we work with our international friends to share insights and move forward to understanding more about the condition.
“Attracting globally recognised speakers is reflective of how highly Scotland is regarded for its dementia work – notably our human rights based approach to dementia care; the world’s first post diagnostic guarantee, and the creation of the world’s first dementia working group.”
The conference is open to the extended dementia community and to everyone interested in making a difference to the lives of people living with dementia.
As well as hearing from speakers, those in attendance will be offered the chance to learn, share and debate with fellow colleagues.
An exhibition hall of 30 exhibitors will also on hand where those in attendance can listen to live ‘soapbox’ sessions promoting the very latest products and ideas.
For those unable to attend, TFN will be reporting live from Alzheimer Scotland Annual Conference 2016, including exclusive video interviews with speakers and live blogs from the main event sessions. Visit thirdforcenews.org.uk on 3 June and follow us on Twitter @ThirdForceNews.
