On October 5, 2025, the First International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia was held in Moscow, organized by the Alzrus Foundation with the participation of leading medical, psychological, and social organizations. The event served as a platform for discussing key areas of diagnosis, therapy, and support for people with dementia, as well as issues of interagency cooperation and public support.
Specialists from Russia, Belarus, and the United Kingdom took part in the conference — doctors, psychologists, neuropsychologists, social workers, representatives of NGOs, and the academic community. The focus was on modern evidence-based approaches to cognitive rehabilitation, organization of care, raising public awareness, and supporting families caring for people with dementia.
A particular interest among participants was sparked by the report from representatives of the Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, dedicated to the topic "Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) in Working with Mnestic-Intellectual Deficits in Late Age." The speaker, Marina Vitalyevna Kalantarova (MSUPE), presented the results of the cultural adaptation of the international CST program in Russia — a non-pharmacological, evidence-based intervention aimed at activating cognitive functions and social interaction in people with mild to moderate cognitive impairments. The project has been implemented at MSUPE since 2019 within the framework of the "Prevention of Cognitive Deficits in the Elderly and Senile" direction and includes the development of educational and methodological materials, training of specialists, and pilot implementations in social institutions. In 2024, MSUPE published a Russian-language manual for conducting the program "Changes for the Better: Cognitive Stimulation Therapy" (MSUPE, 2023). And in 2025, over 200 specialists were trained in the method. Today, the program is being implemented within the "Moscow Longevity" project.
As noted by Alexandra Shchetkina, President of the Alzrus Foundation, member of the International Association 'Alzheimer’s Disease International', and expert in the organization of care for people with dementia:
"Following this conference, we can confidently say that we have taken an important step forward for the Alzrus Foundation and the entire community working in the field of dementia. The exchange of knowledge, discussion of current problems, and the joint search for solutions strengthen our belief that together we can significantly improve the lives of people with dementia and their families. We hope for the continuation and expansion of cooperation with partners, as well as for this conference to become an annual event that will attract not only Russian but also foreign specialists to exchange experiences and best practices. Together, we can move towards a more comfortable and supportive future for everyone affected by this issue."
The conference was an important step towards consolidating scientific and practical efforts in the field of cognitive health, as well as towards forming a sustainable professional network uniting medicine, psychology, and social work. Participants emphasized that the implementation of cognitive stimulation programs and the professional development of specialists help improve the quality of life for people with cognitive impairments and their loved ones.
Conference materials and video recordings of the presentations are available on the website alzconf.tilda.ws
Presentation of the report by MSUPE representatives on the CST approach