CHICAGO, November 4, 2020 — The Alzheimer’s Association celebrates Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., chief science officer, Alzheimer’s Association, for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in Alzheimer's Disease Therapeutic Research at the 13th Annual
Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease Conference. One of the most respected voices in the Alzheimer’s research community, Dr. Carrillo was recognized for her extensive contributions to the advancement of Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials.
Dr. Carrillo was part of the leadership team that developed the revised National Institute on Aging/Alzheimer’s Association diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease in 2011, which define the disease based on changes in biological markers in the brain instead of relying solely on the memory and thinking symptoms.
Since taking over scientific leadership of the Alzheimer’s Association as chief science officer in 2015, Dr. Carrillo has advanced the Association’s international research initiatives, including a robust and diverse portfolio of Alzheimer’s and dementia research projects. Under her direction, the Association has grown to be the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research.
Dr. Carrillo has also expanded the Association's scientific footprint to include conducting research. She is a co-primary investigator for the Alzheimer’s Association-funded and -led U.S. POINTER study, a landmark clinical trial investigating whether lifestyle interventions can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
She credits her success to the support of her family and the mentorship of Dr. Zaven Khachaturian, Dr. John Disterhoft, Dr. Marcel Mesulam, Dr. Linda Van Eldik, Harry Johns and the late Dr. Bill Thies.
Dr. Carrillo’s full bio can be found
here.
About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.