On 21 and 22 September 2026, Ljubljana will host the National Dementia Conference 2026, organised by the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) in collaboration with JADE Health. The conference will take place both in person at Zdravniška zbornica Slovenije and online, bringing together key stakeholders working in the field of dementia. 

Held on the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Month and World Alzheimer’s Day, the conference will focus on a clear message: “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do. Diagnosis Matters.” 

Early diagnosis is much more than a medical milestone. It can create opportunities for timely treatment, future planning, family support, maintaining independence and improving quality of life. The conference will therefore explore how awareness and knowledge can translate into earlier action and better outcomes for people living with dementia and their families. 

From awareness to action 

The conference is grounded in the principles of Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC), recognising that lasting change requires not only knowledge, but also trust, collaboration and changes in attitudes and behaviours. 

This approach closely reflects several priorities of JADE Health. Improving understanding of dementia can help reduce stigma and encourage earlier help-seeking, while cooperation between different sectors is essential to build more effective and inclusive responses. 

The scientific programme will address early recognition of dementia, contemporary therapeutic approaches and system-level solutions to support faster diagnosis, integrated care and better support for people living with dementia and their families. 

Participants will also explore scientific evidence, good practices from Slovenia and other countries, and models of collaboration involving healthcare and social care, local communities, research institutions and non-governmental organisations. 

Building solutions together 

Dementia is both a public health and societal challenge and requires coordinated action across professions, institutions and sectors. 

By bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, civil society and other stakeholders, the National Dementia Conference will provide a platform to share knowledge and experiences, strengthen partnerships and explore solutions that can contribute to timely diagnosis, equitable access to quality care and more inclusive communities. 

This collaborative approach is at the heart of JADE Health, which works across Europe to support prevention, early detection, diagnosis, care and support while promoting greater awareness and reducing stigma around dementia and other neurological disorders. 

21–22 September 2026 
Ljubljana, Slovenia & online 
Conference language: Slovenian 

Participation is free of charge, but prior registration is required. 

View the programme and register for the National Dementia Conference 2026