The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America announced the appointment of Dr. Monica W. Parker, a family physician, researcher, and caregiver, as chair of its Medical, Scientific & Memory Screening Advisory Board.
The nationwide board is comprised of leading experts in the care, research, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, according to an Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) news release.
Parker is an associate professor of neurology and leads the Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core (OREC) at the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) as part of the Goizueta Brain Health Institute of Emory University in Atlanta. The experienced primary and geriatric care provider has served on AFA’s Medical, Scientific, and Memory Screening Advisory Board since 2023.
“Dr. Monica Parker is a distinguished, accomplished, and dedicated expert with extensive professional and personal experience caring for individuals living with dementia,” said Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., AFA’s president and CEO. “AFA relies on its advisory board members for expert insight and opinions on scientific issues surrounding dementia, as well as in the development of new programs, policies, and advocacy efforts related to research and care.”
The Goizueta ADRC’s community outreach team, led by Parker, helps medically underserved populations who are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, access Alzheimer’s-related programs, services, and memory screenings.
The release said the team also works to increase their participation in research initiatives to ensure greater efficacy and diversity in clinical trials. Diversity is a critical element for advancing the science surrounding Alzheimer’s disease.
“Advancing Alzheimer’s research, care, and education—especially within communities that are often underrepresented—is deeply personal and essential work,” Parker said. “I look forward to collaborating with this team of distinguished experts to help improve the lives of individuals and families affected by dementia.”
Parker has served on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) inaugural Patient Engagement Advisory Committee 2017-2024; The American Academy of Family Physicians Commission on Continuing Professional Development and is currently co-director of the national ORE Core Steering Committee for the NIH – NIA funded National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Committee (NACC).
For more information about AFA’s Medical, Scientific and Memory Screening Advisory Board, visit AFA’s website, www.alzfdn.org.
