Dr. Rudolph Tanzi Honored as Top Researcher

Posted April 16, 2007

In recognition of his groundbreaking genetic research and outstanding leadership and commitment to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Rudolph Tanzi received the 2007 Ronald and Nancy Reagan Award at the Alzheimer’s Association’s National Gala in Washington DC on March 27, 2007.

“I am honored and extremely proud to receive this prestigious award,” said Dr. Tanzi, who serves as chairman of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund Research Consortium and is the director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit of MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases. “President Reagan and the First Lady brought Alzheimer’s and the devastation of the disease into the forefront of public perception. Their commitment to research to find a cure paved the path for all researchers, including me. To receive this award in their honor is a real tribute.”

“With the advances in technology today, this is an exciting time for Alzheimer’s research. We are on the cusp of making serious breakthroughs,” said Tanzi. “As we become more successful at identifying the genes that contribute to risk for Alzheimer’s, we’ll have more research opportunities to better understand the role of those genes in causing the disease which will lead us more quickly to finding a potential cure.”

Also honored at the National Gala were Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), who received the Chairman’s Leadership Award, and Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, daughter of the late Rita Hayworth, who received the 2007 Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award.