Old Members’ Trust Graduate Conference and Academic Travel Fund report by Maria Bunyan (2023, Dphil Psychiatry).

In July, I had the privilege of attending the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2025 (AAIC 2025), the world’s largest and leading conference dedicated to advancing dementia science and clinical practice. Alongside 8,500 fellow in-person attendees, I took full advantage of the opportunity to connect with international collaborators, immerse myself in as many scientific sessions as possible, and present my latest research findings. It was an especially exciting year to attend, as my area of research (lifestyle interventions to reduce dementia risk in older adults) was in the spotlight with the release of results from the U.S. POINTER study. This landmark trial demonstrated that lifestyle interventions can improve cognition in older adults at risk of decline, with benefits observed across a participant groups broadly representative of the U.S. population. The findings sparked discussion on the role of lifestyle approaches in dementia prevention, leaving me enthusiastic in my DPhil research.

As a second year DPhil student, attending AAIC was an invaluable experience, offering exposure to the very latest research as well as opportunities to build my professional network. I was fortunate to be invited to two research network dinners and made a number of new connections throughout the week and I know these relationships will be important in the years ahead.

All in all, AAIC 2025 was an incredible experience that has left me excited about my research and the next stages of my DPhil. I am deeply grateful for the Old Members’ Trust Graduate Conference and Academic Travel Grant Fund, whose generous support made it possible for me to travel to Toronto. The contribution enabled me to participate in this pivotal conference at a formative point in my career, for which I feel truly privileged.

Published: 31 October 2025

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