ICOPAD26 delivered on its promise. For two days, Geneva became the meeting point for a community united by a shared conviction: that preventing Alzheimer's disease is not only scientifically plausible, but clinically within reach.
ICOPAD26 brought together more than 200 participants from 17 countries and 16 invited speakers and chairs, in person and online. Building on the first conference held in Geneva in 2024, ICOPAD26 marked a pivotal step: from the development of initial Brain Health Service protocols to their integration into routine clinical practice. During the two intensive days, participants explored the conceptual and practical foundations of risk assessment, risk communication, risk reduction, and cognitive enhancement in cognitively unimpaired individuals. Presentations from early adopters across European memory clinics offered a candid and constructive account of what implementation looks like on the ground — its challenges, its momentum, and its promise. The presence of the Alzheimer's Association, the World Dementia Council, and the editorial teams of The Lancet and The Lancet Neurology further signalled the growing impact of this field.
The conference also featured a by-invitation workshop among early adopters, fostering the kind of frank exchange that moves a field forward. Blood biomarkers, lifestyle interventions, amyloid-lowering strategies and non-pharmacological approaches were all brought to the table, reflecting the breadth and maturity of this emerging field.
The momentum generated over these two days will carry forward: ICOPAD28 is already on the horizon, continuing the international dialogue on prevention and brain health services. Meanwhile, the international working groups formed at ICOPAD26 will meet through dedicated workshops and collaborative sessions.
Thank you to all the speakers, chairs, participants and partners who contributed to the success of ICOPAD26. We look forward to seeing you in 2028.
