The World Dementia Council is delighted to announce the appointment of three new members whose experience and leadership will enrich our efforts to advance global progress in dementia research, care, and policy.
Conny Helder is the former Minister for Long-Term Care and Sport in the Netherlands and previously served as CEO of tanteLouise, one of the country’s most innovative providers of elderly care. A recognised leader in health policy and ageing, she brings valuable insight into how health systems can better support people living with dementia.
Professor Frank Jessen is a leading neuroscientist and psychiatrist based in Germany. He is Professor of Psychiatry and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University of Cologne. His research focuses on the early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, and he plays a central role in several large-scale European initiatives on dementia.
Professor Nancy Ip is President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and a globally respected neuroscientist. She has made seminal contributions to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying brain development and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to her academic leadership, she chairs the World Health Organization’s Technical Advisory Group on Dementia Research and Innovation.
Dr Joanne Pike, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association and Chair of the World Dementia Council, welcomed the appointments:
“We are delighted to welcome Conny Helder, Professor Frank Jessen, and Professor Nancy Ip to the World Dementia Council. Their collective expertise — across science, policy and care — will strengthen the Council's mission to drive global progress in dementia. Each brings an important perspective that will inform our efforts to translate scientific discovery into real-world impact for people living with dementia worldwide. We look forward to their contributions.”