Edinburgh will host a major new global event this May as leading researchers, clinicians, and policymakers gather for the inaugural International Brain Health Conference 2026 (IBHC 2026). Taking place on 18–19 May 2026 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, the conference will focus on one of the most urgent challenges in modern healthcare: protecting brain health before dementia develops.

Organised by our Scottish Brain Sciences team, the event aims to close the gap between cutting-edge neuroscience research and real‑world clinical practice. Delegates from across academia, medicine, industry, and policy will explore how emerging tools—ranging from precision biomarkers to service innovation—can support earlier intervention and more personalised care.

“Brain health has moved decisively upstream,” said Professor Craig Ritchie, CEO and Founder of Scottish Brain Sciences and Professor of Brain Health and Neurodegenerative Medicine at the University of St Andrews.

“We now have the scientific tools to identify risk and disease processes long before dementia presents clinically. The challenge is integrating this knowledge into services, policy, and real‑world practice. IBHC 2026 is designed to address exactly that.”

International Faculty and Interdisciplinary Programme

The programme brings together world‑renowned experts including Professor Jeff Cummings (University of Nevada), Professor Vanessa Raymont (University of Oxford), Professor Allan Young (Imperial College London), and Dr Francesca Farina (University of Chicago). Sessions will cover topics such as:

  • Early detection, imaging, and fluid biomarkers
  • Women’s brain health, including menopause and sex‑specific risk
  • Brain health services and health economics
  • Lifestyle factors including nutrition, sleep, and mental health
  • Comorbidities and infectious disease
  • Global and population‑level strategies for prevention

The event is designed to bridge discovery science with health system implementation, underscoring the growing recognition that brain health should be treated as both a clinical and public health priority.

A Critical Moment for Brain Health

With dementia prevalence continuing to rise globally, health systems are increasingly focused on identifying modifiable risk factors and intervening earlier in the disease process. IBHC 2026 aims to serve as a platform for scientific exchange, collaboration, and progress at a pivotal moment for prevention‑focused brain health innovation.

Professor Jeff Cummings will open the conference with a keynote speech.

“Therapeutic advances in Alzheimer’s disease are accelerating rapidly, giving us new tools to target the earliest stages of illness. But progress doesn’t stop with treatment—we must also prioritise high-quality prevention trials. At IBHC 2026, I look forward to highlighting how innovation in both therapeutics and prevention can change the future of brain health.”

Event Information

International Brain Health Conference 2026
18–19 May 2026
Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh, UK

Early Bird registration (50% discount) is available until 31March 2026.

Further information and registration are available on the event web page – International Brain Health Conference 2026

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