Researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, organizational leaders, industry representatives,
people living with ALS, caregivers, and advocates across the globe will unite for a series of meetings aimed at achieving a shared vision of a world free of ALS
MONTREAL, November 28, 2024—From December 2 to 8, Montreal will serve as an international focal point, uniting efforts from around the world to advance research and care initiatives for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND). The ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) and the ALS Society of Quebec (ALS Quebec) will jointly host a series of meetings, including the Annual Meeting of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations, the Allied Health Professionals Forum, as well as the 35th International Symposium on ALS/MND, to be held in Montreal for the first time. The impact of these collaborations resonates throughout every effort enabling stakeholders to contribute their unique perspectives and expertise to the common goal of a world free of ALS/MND.
The week will begin with the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations, counting 64 member organizations from 38 countries worldwide coming together to address the current challenges that people affected by ALS face today. Following this event, over 300 allied health professionals will exchange best practices in the care and support of people living with this progressive neurological illness. The largest of the meetings, the International Symposium organized by the MND Association (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland), will bring together more than 1,200 researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders to share their work and collaborations.
People living with ALS and caregivers will also attend, sharing their firsthand experiences. Their stories will offer vital insights for researchers and healthcare professionals, underscoring the urgent need for more collaboration and innovation to improve the lives of people affected by the disease.
These meetings provide a platform to share global initiatives and highlight contributions from Canadian researchers, healthcare professionals, and ALS organizations.
Globally, more than 200,000 people are living with ALS, including 4,000 Canadians. This disease progressively paralyzes individuals by preventing the brain from communicating with the muscles. As a result, people with ALS often face a swift decline in the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually, breathe. There is currently no cure for this disease, which carries a lifetime risk of 1 in 300 for each of us. Four out of five people living with ALS will die within two to five years of their diagnosis.
The full week of events includes:
- December 2-3: International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations Annual Meeting – This meeting focuses on strengthening global partnerships, sharing information, and uniting advocacy and patient support efforts.
- December 4-5: Allied Professionals Forum – This forum is an opportunity to share and exchange knowledge among healthcare professionals to learn more about advancements in ALS/MND care.
- December 4-5: André-Delambre Research Symposium on ALS – This symposium, relaunched this year following a brief interruption due to the pandemic, is a renowned scientific conference with 15 years of experience. It brings international ALS researchers to Quebec to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration.
- December 6-8: International Symposium on ALS/MND – This symposium features a comprehensive program covering basic and clinical science, therapy development, and clinical management.
Moving Towards a World Free of ALS/MND
“ALS Canada is honoured to co-host these important international meetings in Montreal this December alongside our partners at ALS Quebec. This provides an invaluable opportunity for the world’s leading researchers, healthcare professionals, and people affected by ALS to come together to share ideas, spark future collaboration and, potentially the next breakthrough,” said Tammy Moore, CEO of the ALS Society of Canada. “By fostering these global connections and sharing the latest advancements in research and care, we move closer to our shared goal of a world free of ALS.”
“ALS Quebec is thrilled to welcome the global ALS/MND community to Montreal, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and collaborative spirit,” added Claudine Cook, Executive Director of ALS Quebec. “Alongside ALS Canada, we are looking forward to the energy and commitment of delegates from around the world, whose personal and professional knowledge and experiences will inspire continued action and change in creating a brighter future for all those affected by ALS/MND.”
“For the Alliance, we see ALS/MND research and care as a global endeavour. This disease transcends borders, and we can learn a lot from how professionals in other countries are handling issues and how care is provided,” explained Cathy Cummings, CEO of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations. “This is what our conferences provide. Participants leave with new connections and the motivation to do more to win the fight against ALS/MND.”
Please note that this week of international meetings will take place in English only.