Inside the Impact Board: Why Dr. Craig Ritchie Is Optimistic About StartUp Health’s Alzheimer’s Moonshot Community
Craig Ritchie, MD, PhD, a leading figure in Alzheimer's research and a member of StartUp Health's Alzheimer's Moonshot Impact Board, challenges your perception of Alzheimer’s as he shares his insights and experiences in the field.
Craig Ritchie, MD, PhD, a leading figure in Alzheimer's research and a member of StartUp Health's Alzheimer's Moonshot Impact Board, shares his insights and experiences in the field, discussing the significance of early detection, the distinction between Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and the global efforts required to combat this condition. Based in Scotland, Dr. Ritchie highlights his journey from psychiatry to spearheading major research initiatives, emphasizes the importance of innovation and collaboration in finding a cure for Alzheimer's, and shares his optimism for StartUp Health’s Alzheimer's Moonshot Community.
Here are some highlights of the full interview (available on video and podcast):
Global Perspective: Dr. Ritchie is based in Scotland, leading Scottish Brain Sciences and holding an academic position at the University of St Andrews. His journey began in 1997 in Melbourne, focusing on Alzheimer's disease, drug discovery, and development.
Key Research Initiatives: Dr. Ritchie has led major cohort studies like EPAD and Prevent Dementia, uncovering risk factors and brain changes in midlife.
Early Alzheimer's Disease: Dr. Ritchie discusses his own potential risk of Alzheimer's at age 55, emphasizing the importance of identifying early brain changes and their progression that may lead to dementia 15-20 years later.
Alzheimer's Disease vs. Dementia: He clarifies the distinction between Alzheimer's disease (early brain changes) and Alzheimer's dementia (later life clinical syndrome).
Risk Factors: Dr. Ritchie iscusses the role of cardiovascular health, diet, and lifestyle, highlighting that risk factors for dementia and early Alzheimer's disease may differ.
Innovation in Detection: He emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention, including lifestyle changes and managing comorbidities.
StartUp Health's Alzheimer's Moonshot: The initiative aims to cure Alzheimer's through coordinated global efforts, involving diagnostics, therapeutics, and comprehensive care.
Global Collaboration: Dr. Ritchie highlights the need for a global approach to tackle Alzheimer's, ensuring solutions are applicable worldwide, which he sees in the Alzheimer’s Moonshot Community.
Role of Smaller Companies: He stresses the importance of diverse contributions from startups and small companies in achieving the moonshot goal.
Patient Care: He advocates for better access to care and support for people with lived experience, emphasizing a more dementia-friendly society.
Personal Brain Health: Dr. Ritchie maintains cognitive fitness through running, using it as a way to de-stress and stay healthy.