The Australian Dementia Research Forum 2024 has once again provided an exceptional platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas and fostering collaborations. With over 90 speakers, including seven outstanding keynotes, 31 sessions and 100 poster submissions, we leave ADRF2024 with a greatly enriched understanding of the current and future landscape of dementia research, diagnosis, treatment, and care. The forum outcomes give us great hope for making significant progress against dementia, both in Australia and beyond.
Over the course of the forum, we delved into the possibilities of new blood based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease testing, and the challenges of new monoclonal antibody treatments, both just on the horizon for use in Australia. You can read a summary of the highly popular panel discussion on new dementia therapies here.
One of our most attended sessions, the Great Debate, on the topic ‘To Diagnose or Not to Diagnose: That is the (Presymptomatic) Question’, saw Dr Stephanie Ward change audience opinion against Professor Michael Breakspear to win for the affirmative, with her highly entertaining, yet insightful, arguments delivered in Elizabethan English.
Our sessions on post diagnostic care were standing room only, indicating that we need a greater focus on this at ADRF2025. Compelling evidence and research was shared on targeting modifiable risk factors for dementia prevention, and care strategies to enhance the quality of life for Australians living with the condition.
Almost half of the ADRF2024 delegates were Medical Specialists, Researchers, Registrars, Allied Health Workers or Nurses. We hope that everyone who attended found something of interest and learned something of value.
Congratulations again to our award winners:
ADNeT Lifetime Achievement Award – Professor Henry Brodaty AO
Baillieu Myer AC Award for Early Career Researchers – Associate Professor Jane Alty and Dr Joyce Siette
Irene Mona Martin Award for Mid Career Researcher – Dr Eleanor Drummond
Best Poster for Basic Science/Discovery: Eunice Cheng
Best Poster for Prevention and Diagnosis: Lisa Waterink
Best Poster for Post Diagnostic Care: Aimee Brown
Peoples Choice Award (Oral): Hannah Fair
We hope to see everyone at the ADRF2025 in Perth! If you are interested in receiving updates on ADRF2025, just email adrf-info@unimelb.edu.au with your name and preferred contact email.
