On Thursday 16th April, supporters of the NCD Alliance co-hosted two sessions at the 30th International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International.

The first session, entitled "Tackling Dementia and Non-communicable Diseases Together: Shared Risk Factors, Shared Solutions" focused on links between the causes of these diseases, barriers to combating these factors at the individual and global level, and policy options for prevention. Chaired by Mr Marc Wortmann, CEO of ADI, panelists at this session were Dr Serge Gauthier, Dr. Serge Gauthier, MD, FRCPC. Director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit. Medical studies at the Université de Montréal, Director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit at McGill Centre for Studies in Aging; Ms Katie Dain, Executive Director of the NCD Alliance; and Dr Paul Zollinger-Read, Chief Medical Officer at Bupa. 

The second session provided an extremely interactive discussion forum on the role of businesses in dementia and NCD prevention and care. Dr Fiona Adshead, Chief Wellbeing and Public Health Officer with Bupa; Ms Kate Swaffer, Chair of Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Advisory Committee; Dr Laura Campo, Advisor on International Advocacy and Professional Relations for Eli Lilly and Co.; and Ms Kathryn Smith, Director of Operations of Alzheimer's Society spoke on workplace wellness programmes, support for individuals with dementia, and for employees caring for family members.The session was chaired by Mr Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association.