AD/PD 2026 Conference

AD/PD 2026 — Alzheimer's & Parkinson's Diseases Conference

Overview

AD/PD 2026 — Alzheimer's & Parkinson's Diseases Conference

Overview

AD/PD™ (Alzheimer's & Parkinson's Diseases Conference) is described as the premier annual event in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 1985, AD/PD has evolved from a focused meeting on [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) to a comprehensive conference bringing together researchers and clinicians working on both Alzheimer's disease and [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)[@adpd].

The integrated approach distinguishes AD/PD from single-disease conferences, enabling researchers to explore common molecular pathways, shared therapeutic approaches, and biomarker overlap between these two most common neurodegenerative conditions. This unique positioning has made AD/PD one of the most influential meetings in the neurodegeneration field["@chen2023"].

2026 Conference Details

| Item | Details |
|------|---------|
| Dates | March 17-21, 2026 |
| Location | Copenhagen, Denmark — Bella Center Copenhagen |
| Organizer | Kenes Group |
| Website | [adpd.kenes.com](https://adpd.kenes.com) |

Conference Focus Areas

Alzheimer's Disease Research

The Alzheimer's track covers the full spectrum of AD research:

• Amyloid Biology: [Amyloid-beta](/proteins/amyloid-beta) generation, aggregation, and toxicity mechanisms[@huang2023]
• [Tau](/proteins/tau) Pathology: Tau phosphorylation, propagation, and tau-targeted therapies
• Neuroinflammation: Microglial activation, [complement system](/entities/complement-system), and inflammatory pathways
• Neurodegeneration: Synaptic loss, neuronal death mechanisms
• Biomarkers: Fluid and imaging biomarkers for diagnosis and trial enrichment
• Clinical Trials: Disease-modifying therapies and symptomatic treatments

Parkinson's Disease Research

The Parkinson's track addresses all aspects of PD:

• [Alpha-Synuclein](/proteins/alpha-synuclein): Aggregation, propagation, and therapeutic targeting[@bridi2023]
• Lewy Body Pathology: Formation, composition, and disease relevance
• Mitochondrial Dysfunction: [PINK1](/genes/pink1), [Parkin](/genes/parkin), and mitophagy pathways
• Neuroinflammation: Microglial activation in PD pathogenesis
• Genetic Risk Factors: [LRRK2](/genes/lrrk2), [GBA](/genes/gba), [SNCA](/genes/snca), and other genetic contributors
• Motor Complications: Levodopa-induced dyskinesias and motor fluctuations

Cross-Disease Themes

A key strength of AD/PD is exploring shared mechanisms:

• Protein Aggregation: Common mechanisms in AD (amyloid/tau) and PD (alpha-synuclein)
• Neuroinflammation: Shared inflammatory pathways across neurodegenerative diseases
• Biomarker Overlap: Common fluid and imaging biomarkers
• Therapeutic Approaches: Targeting common pathways (e.g., neuroprotection)
• Aging Mechanisms: Role of aging in neurodegeneration

Conference Structure

Session Types

• Keynote Lectures: Major presentations by field leaders
• Symposia: Focused sessions on specific topics
• Oral Communications: Selected abstract presentations
• Poster Sessions: Interactive poster presentations
• Workshops: Hands-on educational sessions
• Meet-the-Expert: Informal Q&A sessions with leading researchers

Daily Schedule (Typical)

• Morning: Symposia, workshops
• Midday: Poster sessions, lunch meetings
• Afternoon: Oral communications, keynotes
• Evening: Social events, networking

Major Session Categories

The 2026 conference featured the following key session types:

Keynote Sessions

• Opening Keynote: Future of Neurodegeneration Research
• Amyloid Hypothesis: Where Do We Stand?
• Tau Pathology: From Basic Science to Therapy
• Alpha-Synuclein: The Central Player
• Closing Vision 2030

• Neuroinflammation: Common Ground Across Diseases
• Biomarkers Across Diseases
• Genetics and Precision Medicine
• Clinical Trial Design Innovations

• Parallel sessions across all topics
• Young Investigator presentations

• Five themed poster sessions throughout the week
• Interactive Q&A with presenting authors

Venue: Copenhagen, Denmark

The 2026 conference returns to Copenhagen, a city renowned for its research excellence:

Bella Center Copenhagen

• Scandinavia's largest conference center — over 143,000 m² of exhibition space
• Address: Center Blvd 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
• State-of-the-art facilities with advanced AV technology
• Excellent accessibility — Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is 20 minutes away via metro
• Sustainable venue practices — [LEED](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership_in_Energy_and_Environmental_Design) certified facility
• Multiple exhibition halls and parallel session rooms
• On-site registration and industry exhibition space
• Capacity: Up to 18,000 delegates across all halls

Getting There

From Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

• Metro M1 line: Direct to Bella Center station (20 minutes)
• Taxi: Approximately 15-20 minutes
• Train: 4-minute walk from Terminal 3 to M1 line

From Copenhagen Central Station

• Metro M1 line: 15 minutes directly to Bella Center station
• Bus: Lines 30 and 34 connect to Bella Center

From Malmö (Sweden)

• Øresund Bridge: 35 minutes by train via Malmö Central
• The conference is easily accessible from throughout Scandinavia

Transportation Tips

• Public Transport Zone: The venue is in Zone 4, covered by standard passes
• Copenhagen Card: Unlimited public transport + entry to attractions
• Bike Rental: Copenhagen's renowned bike-share system available at the venue
• Hotels: Many within walking distance — book early for discounts

About Copenhagen

• Home to the [Danish Dementia Research Centre](https://www.rm.dk/en/clinical-departments/danish-dementia-research-centre/) at Copenhagen University Hospital
• Strong neuroscience research community — [University of Copenhagen](https://www.ku.dk/), [DTU](https://www.dtu.dk/)
• Home to [Lundbeck Foundation](https://www.lundbeckfound.com/), a major neurodegenerative disease research funder
• Easily accessible from throughout Europe — direct flights from major hubs worldwide
• City known for sustainability, world-class cycling infrastructure, and modern design
• Named one of the world's most livable cities
• Notable nearby attractions: [Tivoli Gardens](https://www.tivoli.dk/), [Nyhavn harbor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyhavn), [Rosenborg Castle](https://www.kongeligeslotte.dk/en/rosesborg-castle)

Copenhagen Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: March can be chilly (5-10°C), bring layers
• Currency: Danish Krone (DKK), many places accept EUR
• Language: English widely spoken
• Electricity: Type C/F outlets (220V)

Historical Significance

AD/PD has played a crucial role in advancing neurodegenerative disease research:

• 1985: First AD/PD conference held in Zurich
• 2000s: Expanded to include Parkinson's disease
• 2010s: Growth of biomarker-focused sessions
• 2020s: Virtual participation options, record attendance
• 2026: Return to Copenhagen with expanded programming

Notable Recent Presentations

2026 Conference Highlights

• First real-world effectiveness data for anti-amyloid therapies (Leqembi, Donanemab)
• Advancing tau PET standardization and clinical utility
• Seed amplification assays for alpha-synuclein now in clinical use
• LRRK2 inhibitor pivotal trial results
• Blood-based biomarkers (p-tau217, p-tau231) transforming trial design
• Novel neuroprotective strategies entering clinical trials

March 28, 2026 — New Research Announcements

A New Crop of α-Synuclein Tracers Enter Human Testing

Henrik Zetterberg: Heterogeneity, Heterogeneity, Heterogeneity

• Patient stratification based on fluid and imaging biomarkers
• Subtype-specific therapeutic approaches targeting distinct molecular pathways
• Precision medicine frameworks matching patients to targeted interventions
• Biomarker-driven trial designs using p-tau217, NfL, and other markers for enrollment
• Cross-disease biomarker overlap between AD, PD, FTD, and other neurodegenerative conditions

March 27, 2026 — Key Findings

AI for AD: Developers Throw Their Hats into the Ring

The Big Picture: Three Inflection Points Mark the Amyloid Cascade

This model suggests that early intervention before the cascade amplifies may be critical for disease modification.

March 19, 2026 — Biomarker Research

Synaptic Markers Forecast AD Progression

Microglial Proteins in CSF Point to Shifting Strategies as AD Worsens

Tau Affects Oligodendrocyte Gene Methylation

Past Highlights (2023-2025)

• Alpha-synuclein seed amplification assay validation studies
• LRRK2 inhibitor clinical trial results
• Amyloid PET standardization efforts
• Tau PET tracer development
• Novel anti-aggregation compound discovery
• Combined biomarker panels for diagnosis

Key Conference Themes

The AD/PD 2026 conference emphasized several critical themes:

1. Amyloid-Targeted Therapies Maturing

• [Lecanemab (Leqembi)](/therapeutics/lecanemab) and [Donanemab](/therapeutics/donanemab) demonstrating real-world effectiveness
• Focus shifting to earlier intervention and prevention
• Combination therapy approaches emerging

2. Biomarker-Driven Clinical Trials

• Blood-based biomarkers ([p-tau181](/biomarkers/p-tau181), [p-tau217](/biomarkers/p-tau217), [p-tau231](/biomarkers/p-tau231)) enabling patient selection
• [Neurofilament light chain (NfL)](/biomarkers/neurofilament-light-chain) for monitoring
• Seed amplification assays for [alpha-synuclein](/proteins/alpha-synuclein) diagnosis

3. Tau Therapeutics Advancing

• Multiple anti-tau antibodies in clinical development
• [Tau aggregation inhibitors](/therapeutics/lmtm-tau-inhibitor) progressing
• PET tracer standardization underway

4. Alpha-Synuclein Research Momentum

• Seed amplification transforming diagnosis
• Immunotherapy approaches showing promise
• [LRRK2 inhibitor](/therapeutics/lrrk2-inhibitors) clinical data maturing

5. Precision Medicine for [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)

• Genetic stratification ([LRRK2](/genes/lrrk2), [GBA](/genes/gba), [SNCA](/genes/snca))
• Subtype-specific therapeutic approaches
• Personalized trial designs

Cross-Disease Integration

The AD/PD conference is unique in its integration of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's research:

Common Mechanisms Sessions

• Protein misfolding and aggregation
• Neuroinflammation across diseases
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Synaptic failure
• Cellular senescence

Biomarker Sessions

• Shared fluid biomarkers
• Common imaging targets
• Cross-disease validation studies

Therapeutic Approaches

• Neuroprotective strategies
• Gene therapy platforms
• Immunotherapy approaches
• Cell-based therapies

Related Conferences

• [AAIC 2026](/events/aaic-2026) — Alzheimer's Association International Conference
• [World Parkinson Congress](/events/world-parkinson-congress) — Parkinson's-specific meeting
• [MDS 2026](/events/mds-2026) — Movement Disorder Society Meeting
• [Conference Index](/events/conference-index)

AD/PD 2026 Sub-Pages

• [AD/PD 2026 Scientific Sessions](/events/adpd-2026-scientific-sessions)
• [AD/PD 2026 Company Presentations](/events/adpd-2026-company-presentations)
• [AD/PD 2026 Plenary Sessions](/events/adpd-2026-plenary-sessions)
• [AD/PD 2026 Emerging Therapeutic Targets](/events/adpd-2026-emerging-therapeutic-targets)
• [AD/PD 2026 Clinical Trial Updates](/events/adpd-2026-clinical-trials)
• [AD/PD 2026 Satellite Symposia and Sponsors](/events/adpd-2026-satellite-symposia)
• [AD/PD 2026 Poster and Abstract Highlights](/events/adpd-2026-posters-abstracts)
• [AD/PD 2026 Key Researchers and Thought Leaders](/events/adpd-2026-researchers)
• [AD/PD 2026 Neuroinflammation](/events/adpd-2026-neuroinflammation)
• [AD/PD 2026 Gene Therapy](/events/adpd-2026-gene-therapy)
• [AD/PD 2026 Immunotherapy](/events/adpd-2026-immunotherapy)
• [AD/PD 2026 ISTAART Sessions](/events/adpd-2026-istaart-sessions)
• [C-BRAIN AI Competition](/technologies/c-brain-ai-competition)

See Also

• [NeuroWiki Home](/home)
• [Events Index](/events/conference-index)

External Links

• [AD/PD 2026 Official Website](https://adpd.kenes.com)

References