Vienna, Austria – February 5, 2026 – The European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2026 will host its first-ever Alzheimer’s Day on Thursday, March 5, 2026, marking a significant addition to the congress programme and underscoring the growing role of radiology in addressing one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time. Co-sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company and Siemens Healthineers, the dedicated day will feature a series of symposia focused on Alzheimer’s disease across the full care pathway.
Alzheimer’s is a growing global emergency affecting millions of people worldwide. With the emergence of new disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that can slow cognitive decline, there is renewed hope for patients and their families. Alzheimer’s Day at ECR 2026 will explore how these developments can be translated into clinical practice, highlighting the essential role of imaging in early diagnosis, treatment decision-making, and ongoing patient monitoring.
Taking place in Room K2, Level -2 of the Austria Center Vienna, the programme will guide participants from a clinical overview of dementia and the fundamentals of Alzheimer’s imaging to cutting-edge techniques supporting diagnosis and clinical decision-making. Sessions will also address ARIA imaging in the era of new therapies and examine how prepared healthcare systems are for the paradigm shift brought about by DMTs.
“On this inaugural Alzheimer’s Day, we spotlight radiology’s central role in a new era of care – detecting change earlier, strengthening diagnosis, and monitoring disease over time to support timely decisions for patients and families” stated ECR 2026 Congress President Minerva Becker. “Alzheimer’s Day is a strong example of how collaboration with industry can enrich and complement the ECR’s scientific programme. By aligning clinical expertise, technological innovation, and educational endeavours, the initiative advances the ESR’s mission to work closely with industry partners to deliver truly patient-centred radiology.”
“Advances in Alzheimer’s disease diagnostics have the potential to reshape the clinical pathway, emphasising earlier, more accurate diagnoses and multidisciplinary collaboration,” said Anthony “Nino” Sireci, M.D., Senior Vice President of Clinical Biomarkers, Laboratories and Diagnostics at Eli Lilly and Company. “As a co-sponsor of Alzheimer’s Day at ECR 2026, Lilly hopes to accelerate education around evolving diagnostic approaches and strengthen health system readiness, so patients can benefit from timely and accurate diagnoses.”
“Education is fundamental in supporting clinicians to deliver the best possible care”, highlighted André Hartung, Head of Diagnostic Imaging at Siemens Healthineers. “That’s why we are pleased to co-sponsor the first ever Alzheimer’s Day at ECR 2026 together with Lilly, just when disease-modifying treatments are emerging in the EU. We want to help ensure that patients receive the care they need by fostering expert exchange and learning.”
Radiology is increasingly central to the management of Alzheimer’s disease. Advanced imaging techniques enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis, help stratify patients who may benefit from disease-modifying therapies, and could play a crucial role in monitoring treatment response and therapy-related adverse events in the future. As therapeutic options evolve, radiologists are becoming indispensable members of multidisciplinary Alzheimer’s care teams, supporting clinicians with the insights needed to deliver timely, safe, and personalised care.
The Alzheimer’s Day programme can be viewed here.