Award Citation
Dr. Sperling’s contributions to neuroscience and AD research are far-reaching: she chaired the 2011 NIA-AA workgroup that established research criteria for preclinical AD and co-led the workgroup defining Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA); co-leads the Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Consortium (ACTC), which unites 35 U.S. clinical centers to accelerate next-generation academic clinical trials; serves as Principal Investigator for the A4 Study (Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s), its open-label extension, and the companion LEARN cohort—all testing whether reducing amyloid burden can slow neurodegeneration and cognitive decline; pioneered the use of molecular PET imaging (amyloid and tau), plasma biomarkers, and smartphone-based assessments, demonstrating that AD pathology and subtle cognitive decline emerge more than a decade before symptoms appear; and holds the role of Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, Director of the Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment (CART) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, while mentoring over 60 young investigators to advance the field.
About the Laureate
Key Programs: A4/A4-OLE, LEARN, HABS, ACTC, and AHEAD 3-45 Study (public-private preclinical AD prevention trial with lecanemab).
Selection Committee Statement
“Dr. Sperling’s vision shifted AD prevention paradigm by focusing on preclinical intervention. Her multinational infrastructure, innovative methods, and collaboration laid the groundwork for global dementia prevention strategies.”
About the Award
Named for renowned AD researcher George Perry (pioneer in oxidative stress/neurodegeneration), the award recognizes exceptional contributions to health science, medicine, neuroscience — with focus on neurobiology, neuropathology, behavioral genetics, and AD research.