title: Commentary on "a roadmap for the prevention of dementia II: Leon Thal symposium 2008." The megacommunity approach to Alzheimer's disease.
abstract: There are many groups and organizations across the government, private, and nonprofit sectors that are passionately engaged in the fight against Alzheimer's disease (AD), but they have constraints on their funding and scope and, therefore, cannot tackle the problem holistically. Addressing the complexities of this epidemic strategically will require the collective efforts of committed stakeholders. Individuals and organizations must work together to identify mutual interests and forge new relationships and partnerships. Through this network of stakeholders, known as a megacommunity, individual members can support and expand their objectives and impact through the combined knowledge and resources in the megacommunity network. Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) is an example of a megacommunity tackling the toughest issues facing AD patients and their families. LEAD is currently comprised of more that thirty individuals and organizations committed to sharing information and coordinating action across organizational boundaries.
authors.affiliation: Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Reggie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Van Lee
authors.forename: Beth
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Meagher
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fritz
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Penfield