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By EVMS News

A geriatrician and experienced researcher from Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion 91����Ƶ has been named to the national Board of Directors of the Alzheimer's Association.

Hamid Okhravi, MD, was elected to serve on the 24-member, volunteer governing board. He is the sole board member from Virginia and will serve a two-year term. Board members provide strategic guidance to the organization as it carries out its mission to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

Dr. Okhravi, a geriatric medicine specialist in the Glennan Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology and medical director of the Comprehensive Memory Center in the Goldrich Institute for Integrated NeuroHealth, holds the distinguished Alfred E. Abiouness Professorship in Geriatrics. His research is primarily focused on exploring innovative clinical therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease and investigating novel treatments for neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals with dementia. Dr. Okhravi also demonstrates a keen interest in pioneering new diagnostic approaches within the field of cognitive disorders.

Dr. Okhravi serves as the principal investigator (PI) for 22 ongoing research studies, spanning pivotal clinical trials on both national and international fronts. He also is site-PI for the Alzheimer's Clinical Trials Consortium (ACTC) program, Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI4) and served as a Vanguard site-PI for the Alzheimer's Association's ALZ-NET National Registry.

Dr. Okhravi is a member of the Alzheimer's Association's International Working Group for Alzheimer's Disease Plasma Biomarkers, where he contributes to the development of appropriate use recommendations for plasma biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease.

“I’m deeply honored to join the Alzheimer’s Association Board of Directors at such a transformative time in the fight against Alzheimer’s,” Dr. Okhravi said. “The Alzheimer’s Association is a driving force in this battle, championing research breakthroughs, raising awareness, and providing critical support to families and individuals impacted by this disease.

“With new disease-modifying treatments now offering hope to slow Alzheimer’s progression and innovative plasma biomarkers enabling earlier diagnosis, we’re on the cusp of a new era in Alzheimer’s care,” he added. “I’m thrilled to contribute to this mission and help lead the charge toward a future where hope and effective solutions are within reach for all.”

Minoo Javanmardian, Ph.D., chair, Alzheimer’s Association Board of Directors, welcomed Dr. Okhravi to the board.

“His expertise, background, and passion for our mission will be invaluable for all communities as we work together in pursuit of the Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia,” Dr. Javanmardian said.

Marissa Galicia-Castillo, MD, John Franklin Distinguished Chair of Geriatrics and director of the Glennan Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, said Dr. Okhravi will be an invaluable addition to the organization’s leadership.

“Dr. Okhravi's expertise and passion in caring for people with cognitive diseases will be an incredible asset to the��Alzheimer's Association Board of Directors,” Dr. Galicia-Castillo said. “This prestigious position will certainly impact the care of not only��some of our most vulnerable population, but also their caregivers.�� We are very proud of Dr. Okhravi's selection for such an important role.”

Dr. Okhravi received his medical degree from Mashhad 91����Ƶ of Medical Sciences in Iran and completed the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Saint Louis 91����Ƶ and Hurley Medical Center in affiliation with Michigan 91����Ƶ 91����Ƶ. He completed his geriatric fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association��2024��report, including 164,000 in Virginia. Alzheimer’s is a leading cause of death in the United 91����Ƶs and one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest Alzheimer’s advocacy organization in the world. The Alzheimer’s Association advocates for the needs and rights of people facing Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia. The Association is driving policymakers in Washington, D.C. and across the country to take historic steps to address the growing Alzheimer’s public health crisis.

The Association’s efforts have secured robust increases for Alzheimer's and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and critical legislation, such as the National Alzheimer’s Project Act to make a positive and meaningful impact on people living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.