We are truly honored by the visit of Bill Gates and delighted by the opportunity to meet him to present and discuss the latest progress in Swedish Alzheimer’s research and innovation, and how we are bridging science and practice.
Research meeting
On 23 January, initiated by Gates Ventures, with whom we have a strong and long-lasting collaboration, and hosted by professor Miia Kivipelto, we arranged an exclusive meeting with Bill Gates and a group of leading Swedish researchers to discuss new findings and future perspectives in biomarkers and AI-driven research, novel imaging approaches, FINGER-based precision prevention, antibody-based drug development, combination therapies, and real-world implementation.
We were also pleased to be joined by Anna Tenje,Minister of Older People and Social Security, to discuss the new Swedish Dementia Strategy with focus on research, risk reduction and implementation.
During the visit, we had the opportunity to present the unique and comprehensive 5-day fast-track cognitive assessment process offered by Karolinska University Hospital’ s memory clinic, including demonstrations of AI-supported clinical decision support, the new eye-tracking system facilitating early detection, and a tour of the MRI facilities.
Panel session
Following the meeting, Gates Ventures and FBHI had invited fellow researchers from Karolinska Institutet and other Swedish universities, healthcare professionals, industry partners, and representatives of advocacy organizations to a fireside chat with Bill Gates, Miia Kivipelto, Henrik Zetterberg, Eric Westman and Maria Ankarcrona on the panel and Niranjan Bose, Gates Ventures, as moderator. In an inspiring and insightful conversation, Mr Gates highlighted the progress and new innovations in Swedish Alzheimer’s research, and the conversation focused on new opportunities for diagnostics, treatment and prevention at an international scale.
The event opened with a recorded greeting from Her Majesty Queen Silvia, who has a dedicated engagement in dementia research and care.
Strong partnership
FBHI and Prof Kivipelto’s teams have an important partnership with Gates Ventures in the areas of prevention, data-driven research, novel diagnostics, and implementation.
Together with our colleagues at Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital and other universities in multinational research projects, we are grateful for the support we receive through Gates Ventures, the progress enabled by Bill Gates and his organizations, the sincere engagement and this valuable meeting opportunity.
Warm thanks also to Anna Tenje, KI President Annika Östman Wernerson and to all fellow researchers and innovators who filled this day with science and inspiration: Henrik Zetterberg, Lars Lannfelt, Gunilla Osswald, Francesca Mangialasche, Anna Matton, Alina Solomon, Sten Linnarsson, Janne Lehtiö, Göran Hagman, Zuzana Ištvánfyová, Maris Hartmanis, Eric Westman, Tobias Granberg
Photos: Erik Flyg (2-4),
Göran Hagman (1)
