Mayo researcher to lead HHS Alzheimer's council

Ronald Petersen, MD, director of the Mayo Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, was selected to chair the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care and Services. The formation of the group was announced Aug. 23 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

The 12 non-federal council members include Alzheimer's disease patient advocates, caregivers and healthcare providers. They will advise the secretary on federal programs that impact people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Alzheimer’s disease affects 5.1 million people in the U.S. and is expected to impact more than 20 million people by 2050, according to a statement from Mayo, which is located in Rochester, Minn.

The advisory council will meet quarterly to help develop a nationwide plan involving HHS, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation. The council is required by the National Alzheimer’s Project Act. Its members will serve four-year terms.

Around the web

The new technology shows early potential to make a significant impact on imaging workflows and patient care. 

Richard Heller III, MD, RSNA board member and senior VP of policy at Radiology Partners, offers an overview of policies in Congress that are directly impacting imaging.
 

The two companies aim to improve patient access to high-quality MRI scans by combining their artificial intelligence capabilities.