WASHINGTON, D.C., October 20, 2021  - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the appointment of Joanne Pike, Dr.PH, to the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) Advisory Council. Dr. Pike serves as Chief Strategy Officer of the Alzheimer's Association, overseeing the Association's strategic plan to advance risk reduction, care and support, research, advocacy, diversity, equity and inclusion, concern and awareness and fundraising.
 
The NAPA Advisory Council is a public-private collaboration that provides information and recommendations to HHS on policy solutions that will improve the health outcomes and lives of those living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, as well as their caregivers.
 
"It's an honor to join the NAPA Advisory Council to help ensure our nation's government programs are meeting the needs of those living with Alzheimer's and all other dementia," said Dr. Pike. "In the 10 years since NAPA was unanimously passed by Congress, establishing this critical council, we have seen extraordinary progress. I'm honored to join the council as we continue our work to improve the lives of everyone impacted by Alzheimer's and all other dementia, addressing risk factors, advancing treatments, and improving access to critical and effective care and support."
 
The Alzheimer's Association and AIM worked with Congressional champions to develop and build bipartisan support for NAPA, resulting in the first National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease, with the first goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer's by 2025. The Advisory Council was also created by that law. Alzheimer's research funding has seen a more than seven-fold increase since the passage of the NAPA. With strong funding, scientists are able to work at a more rapid pace to advance basic disease knowledge, explore ways to reduce risk, uncover new biomarkers for early diagnosis and drug targeting, and develop potential treatments.
 
In addition to Dr. Pike, HHS appointed Joe Montminy, a member of the Alzheimer's Association early stage advisory group to the Advisory Council. Montminy has been a vocal advocate since his diagnosis, lending his time to raise awareness and speak out on behalf of individuals living with Alzheimer's and all other dementia. He also serves on the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Alzheimer's Association Board of Directors.
 
Today more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, and 11 million more providing unpaid care. And, at a cost of $355 billion a year, Alzheimer's is the most expensive disease in the nation.