Claire Sexton, DPhil, is senior director, Scientific Programs and Outreach at the Alzheimer’s Association. In this role, she leads research programs and initiatives to accelerate the Association’s scientific agenda.
Dr. Sexton works with a committee of expert researchers to develop scientific programming for the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC®), the largest and most influential international meeting dedicated to advancing dementia science. Annually, AAIC offers over 2,900 posters and more than 600 podium presentations on basic science, risk factors, diagnosis, causes, risk factors, and potential methods of treatment and prevention to thousands of the world’s leading dementia researchers.
Under Dr. Sexton’s leadership, the Association has significantly expanded its suite of scientific meetings to provide accessible education and networking opportunities, including the AAIC Advancements, AAIC Satellite Symposia and AAIC Neuroscience Next series. She is responsible for leading conference programming, including speakers, poster sessions and opportunities to foster collaboration.
Dr. Sexton oversees strategy for the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART), an inclusive global network of scientists, clinicians and dementia professionals. ISTAART provides opportunities for member engagement and education, including Professional Interest Areas (PIAs), networking sessions, informative webinars and more.
As an expert in the field, Dr. Sexton delivers presentations to audiences around the country on the Association’s role in scientific advancements and the overall state of Alzheimer’s and dementia research. She has been interviewed by and quoted in various outlets including The Washington Post, USA Today and CNN.
Dr. Sexton received her doctoral degree in psychiatry from the University of Oxford, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Manchester. Prior to joining the Association, Dr. Sexton served as an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute, where her research focused on modifiable factors associated with risk for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.