Toronto, ON: Toronto is opening its doors for the first time to the world's largest forum for the Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research community, from July 24 to 28. Nearly 5,000 professionals in Alzheimer’s and dementia research from 70 different countries will converge at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) for this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC 2016). The international annual event is poised to put a spotlight on Canada’s contribution to dementia research, and will bring an estimated $14.6 million in hospitality spending to the city.
 
“Canada is a hotspot of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research, and many sessions planned for AAIC 2016 will be led by Canadians or have content focused on Canada,” said Keith Fargo, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association director of scientific programs and outreach. “Toronto serving as host conference city has helped attract leading scientists and other attendees from around the world.”
 
Further reflecting Canada’s role in advancing research and study in the field is a change in leadership at two of the world’s largest dementia bodies. The World Dementia Council will be chaired by Dr. Yves Joanette, Scientific Director at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Aging, and during AAIC 2016, the chair of the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART) Advisory Council will pass to Dr. Sandra Black of Sunnybrook Research Institute in Toronto.
 
Known as the world’s premier forum to advance dementia science, AAIC 2016 investigators and practitioners in attendance will be met with a dynamic and engaging week that includes thousands of researchers, poster presentations, oral sessions, as well as hundreds of premier plenary and symposia speakers. 
 
According to the Alzheimer's Association 2016 Facts and Figures report, an estimated 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. Barring the development of medical breakthroughs, the number will rise to 13.8 million by 2050. Alzheimer’s is the costliest disease to society. Total U.S. national cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated at $236 billion (excludes unpaid caregiving), of which $160 billion is the cost to Medicare and Medicaid alone. 
 
“At the Alzheimer’s Association, we hope AAIC attendees gain a better understanding of the latest issues and findings in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research,” added Fargo. “We also hope they develop and nurture new personal, professional, and business connections for collaboration and information sharing.”
 
“On behalf of the city I’d like to extend a warm welcome to AAIC 2016, and we hope attendees who are here for this event will enjoy their time in our beautiful city of Toronto,” said Barry Smith, President and CEO of MTCC.
 

About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. Visit alz.orgor call 800.272.3900.
 
About the Metro Toronto Convention Centre
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada's number one convention and trade show facility. Over the past 30 years, the Centre has hosted over 18,000 events, entertained more than 55 million guests and has added $5.1 billion in direct spending to the community. For further information, please visit mtccc.com.
 
Media Contacts:
Niles Frantz
Director, News Media Engagement
Alzheimer's Association
(312) 335-5777
niles.frantz@alz.org 
 
Christine Tse                                                                     
Marketing Manager                                                       
Metro Toronto Convention Centre                                                                                         
(416) 585-8106                                                  
ctse@mtccc.com