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Leveraging global resources to end the Alzheimer's pandemic
Author(s) -
Carrillo Maria C.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2013.05.1768
Subject(s) - library science , associate editor , vice president , citation , political science , computer science , management , economics
More than 20 years have passed since the publication of the “Five-Five, Ten-Ten Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease” [1]. The editorial represented a watershed moment for the field by calling forward an expanded public health campaign to combat a growing worldwide pandemic due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Today, the editorial’s clarion call for action has been heard by academia, industry, government, and patient advocacy groups. Despite unprecedented advances in new knowledge, broader international collaboration, and greater cooperation between the public and private sectors, no effective interventions to halt or delay the progression of AD exist. Moreover, the lingering global financial crisis has introduced unimaginable strain on AD research-care teams worldwide. However, even in the face of these pressures, advances have been made. One of the most significant breakthroughs of this century has been the development of amyloid imaging, which holds great promise for research and clinical practice [2]. Researchers, clinicians, and regulators have also come together to recommend new diagnostic criteria [3–5] and promote the development of therapies for early stages of disease [6]. Establishing partnerships has been and remains a core mission of the Alzheimer’s Association. Working with our colleagues at home and abroad, we have taken on an increasingly prominent leadership role in setting new directions for research and care delivery. At the same time, we recognize the need to develop compelling public policies for increased national and international commitments to support these efforts. In addition to the passage of landmark legislation, the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, the Alzheimer’s Association through the partnerships described in Table 1, continues to develop forwardlooking strategies to address the most the critical challenges that the research enterprise faces. In this effort, we are harnessing the energy and dedication of families affected by this terrible disease, advocacy groups, government funding agencies, scientists in academia and industry, and policy-makers to join in this grand effort. Given the financial challenges facing Alzheimer’s research, there is a clear need for a networked global response