Mayo Clinic Researcher Honored for Extraordinary Achievement in Advancing Alzheimer's Disease Science at Alzheimer's Association International Conference

LOS ANGELES, JULY 17, 2019 — The Alzheimer’s Association presented its Zaven Khachaturian Award to David Knopman M.D., clinical neurologist and professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic. The Award was presented during the plenary session on Wednesday, July 17 at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2019 in Los Angeles.

The Zaven Khachaturian Award is presented to an individual whose compelling vision, selfless dedication and most extraordinary achievement has significantly advanced the field of Alzheimer’s disease science.

Dr. Knopman is a leading expert in late-life cognitive disorders, with research focused on the brain changes that occur in early Alzheimer’s, as well as cognitive impairments in frontotemporal dementia. He has authored more than 700 publications in the field, is co-investigator on two National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded studies of cerebrovascular cognitive disorders and is one of five members of the Alzheimer’s Association Medical and Scientific Advisory Group (MSAG) which comprises leaders of the Alzheimer’s and dementia research community who serve as strategic advisors on Association science initiatives. Dr. Knopman was co-chair of the National Institute on Aging/Alzheimer’s Association Proposed Criteria for Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia workgroup which developed revised criteria for Alzheimer’s disease dementia in 2011, incorporating for the first time biomarker evidence to improve the specificity of Alzheimer’s dementia diagnoses.

“Dr. Knopman has made an indelible impact on the field of late-life cognitive disorders, particularly for Alzheimer’s and other dementias like frontotemporal dementia,” said Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., chief science officer, Alzheimer’s Association. “His work has helped to shape how we diagnose Alzheimer’s, and we are privileged to honor him and his scientific work toward advancing treatment and care.”

Dr. Knopman received his A.B. in Biology from Dartmouth College and his B.M.S. from Dartmouth Medical School. He received his M.D. from the University of Minnesota, where he completed his residency in Neurology, followed by a fellowship in Behavioral Neurology at Hennepin County Medical Center. He was a faculty member at University of Minnesota Medical School until 2000 before joining the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Since 2009 he has served as the deputy editor of Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to accelerating the global effort to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease and to recognizing the efforts of researchers who further our understanding about this devastating disease. As the worldwide nonprofit leader in funding Alzheimer’s research, we continue to directly fund cutting-edge research with approximately $165 million accelerating advances in more than 450 best-of-field active projects in 25 countries around the world.

About the Alzheimer's Association International Conference^® (AAIC^®)
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) is the world’s largest gathering of researchers from around the world focused on Alzheimer’s and other dementias. As a part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s research program, AAIC serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community.
AAIC 2019 home page: aaic.alz.org
AAIC 2019 newsroom: aaic.alz.org/pressroom.asp

About the Alzheimer's Association^®
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call +1 800.272.3900.

Media Contacts: 
Alzheimer’s Association Media Line, +1 312.335.4078, media@alz.org
AAIC 2019 Press Office, aaicmedia@alz.org