— More than 200 attendees gathered to hear from leading Alzheimer’s experts about how Part the Cloud is propelling progress forward in the field —
SAN FRANCISCO, April 20, 2023 — More than 200 people attended the
Part the Cloud luncheon at the Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club in Menlo Park, Calif., this week to hear from leading Alzheimer’s and dementia experts about how this innovative funding initiative is propelling research with the highest probability of slowing, stopping or ultimately curing Alzheimer's disease.
Part the Cloud, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, provides crucial funding for early-phase clinical trials, serving as a catalyst for researchers to receive additional funding. In 10 years, Part the Cloud has raised $67 million to fuel 65 research projects that have gone on to receive more than $1.2 billion in follow-on funding from government entities, venture capital, industry and other funding sources.
“Over a decade ago, I challenged myself and a few colleagues with a question: How can we make a difference fighting Alzheimer's and start a conversation in Silicon Valley to change the course of this devastating disease?” said Mikey Hoag, Part the Cloud founder. “What started as a local, women-led fundraising event has grown into so much more — a global movement to transform progress in Alzheimer’s research and treatment.”
Attendees heard from a panel of leading experts in the field of Alzheimer’s and dementia research that included Alzheimer’s Association vice president, medical and scientific relations, Heather Snyder, Ph.D.; Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D.; F-Prime Biomedical Research Initiative president Stacie Weninger, Ph.D.; and Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s Suzanne Craft, Ph.D. Award-winning journalist and news anchor for MSNBC and NBC, Richard Lui, also spoke to the crowd to share about his personal connection to the disease and his upcoming documentary inspired by his experience, "UNCONDITIONAL."
Alzheimer’s disease has a far-reaching and devastating impact. According to the
Alzheimer’s Association’s 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, more than 6 million Americans over age 65 are living with Alzheimer's disease and more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. In 2023, it is estimated that Alzheimer's and other dementias will cost the nation $345 billion and by 2050, these costs could rise to nearly $1 trillion.
The event was co-chaired by Sue Foley and Lauren Koenig. Part the Cloud steering committee members include Ellen Drew, Dana Eckert, Sue Foley, Stephanie Harman, Mikey Hoag, Lauren Koenig, Laurie Kraus Lacob, Anne Lawler, Lisa Mooring, Heather Pietsch, Debbie Robbins, Paula Robichaud, Mary Stevens and Hilary Valentine.
To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association and Part the Cloud, visit
alz.org/partthecloud.
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.