A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR, RESEARCH LEADERSHIP GROUP
As I look back on 2023, it was a truly remarkable year.
As the Chair of the Research Leadership Group, I have the privilege of working with the most extraordinary group of researchers who have dedicated their professional lives to taking on the demands of solving what is arguably the most challenging disease facing humanity: Alzheimer’s disease. Deciphering and intervening in the slow destruction of the brain and loss of self requires a rigorous scientific process with a community of researchers who embody fortitude, determination, patience—and even fearlessness.
Throughout 2023, the milestone statistics that unfolded as a result of the research grants provided by CureAlz were gratifying for all of us. The number of published papers in key, significant science journals and the citations in 2023 and cumulatively are evidence of how CureAlz-funded research is deepening the entire field’s understanding of the underlying causes and triggers of the pathology; this already is leading to therapeutic solutions for Alzheimer’s. While the statistics are meaningful, the discoveries made with the funding provided by CureAlz are even more remarkable.
The approval of Leqembi®, a drug targeting amyloid in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s, is just the first of many therapies that will be developed for patients at all stages of the disease, including prevention. The approval of this drug is evidence of the importance of amyloid as the key driver of the pathology cascade of Alzheimer’s disease.
While I reflect on the year and the continued outstanding accomplishments of this organization and the scientists it supports, I also am reminded that much of this only happened thanks to the vision and perseverance of our Co-Founder, Jeff Morby. Jeff had a lifelong fascination with the human brain and a passion for finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. He had great respect for the researchers in the field and was a dedicated advocate for those who have Alzheimer’s. I was honored to call him a friend.
Many of us have lost someone to this disease. In 2023, we also lost Allison McCance, who battled Alzheimer’s disease with dignity and grace for 20 years. In Allison, we were reminded of the desperate need to find solutions for those who are battling with the disease; in her husband—our Co-Founder—Henry’s example, we see how love and commitment can through grace transform into a benefit to many others facing the same challenging circumstances. In honor of Jeff and Allison, we continue the work started nearly 20 years ago—the vitally important and meaningful mission of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Rudolph E. Tanzi, Ph.D.
Chair, Research Leadership Group