Zaven S. Khachaturian, Ph.D.

As President of the Campaign to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease (PAD2020), Dr. Zaven S. Khachaturian is a globally recognized leader whose work has shaped the direction of Alzheimer’s research and public health policy for decades.

Often described as the “Founder – Chief Architect” of national research programs on brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), he played a pivotal role in designing and leading large-scale initiatives that continue to define the field today — including Alzheimer’s Centers, CERAD, and ADCS.

An Emeritus Founding Editor-in-Chief of Alzheimer’s & Dementia and Adjunct Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. Khachaturian has long influenced both the scientific and strategic direction of the field through research leadership, academic engagement, and policy development.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Khachaturian has bridged science, policy, and strategy — from serving as Director of the NIH Office of Alzheimer’s Disease Research to leading major institutions such as the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute and the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute (now part of Cleveland Clinic). His leadership has consistently driven the creation of impactful programs, global collaborations, and long-term research agendas.

At CLARA, as the CLARA Scientific Advisory Board chair, he brings a scientific strategic vision focused on aligning science, policy, and funding to accelerate progress in preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases — ensuring that research translates into real-world impact at scale.