Alzheimer’s disease is a 21st century global crisis hurting patients, families, and communities. Although Alzheimer’s disease is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the NIH, recent studies indicate that the disorder may actually rank as the third cause of death in older adults – behind only heart disease and cancer. Six million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s, and without an effective therapy this number could nearly triple by the year 2050. With at least $300 billion being spent on healthcare, long-term care and hospice for people afflicted, Alzheimer’s has become the most expensive disease in the U.S., and it is certainly among the most emotionally devastating for families. As Alzheimer’s robs its victims of their memories and sense of self, it has become the greatest health fear reported by America’s rapidly aging 71 million Baby Boomers.
This informative discussion is led by two leaders who are at the forefront of some of the most cutting-edge research into our understanding of this devastating disease: Henry McCance, the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund co-founder and venture capital pioneer, and Dr. Rudy Tanzi, one of the world’s leading geneticists and Alzheimer’s researchers. Hear Henry’s deeply personal connection to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, why he structured it using a venture capital model and how this has fueled the latest breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research. In addition, learn about what the latest research has taught us about preventative measures, potential treatments, and what the science is saying about the path to a cure.
Whether Alzheimer’s disease has touched your family personally or not, we hope you gain a new understanding of why the venture philanthropy non-profit model has been so successful in advancing the research into Alzheimer’s, a knowledge of the preventative steps you can take against the disease and a profound appreciation for people like these speakers who are putting their energy and expertise into the quest to eradicate one of the most mysterious and devastating illnesses in the world.
