Dr. Zaven Khachaturian, PhD, is widely regarded as the architect of many successful and international scientific programs in neurobiology and Alzheimer's Disease which were launched from the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes on Health, as well as the Khachaturian, Radebaugh & Associates, Inc., an international consulting group focused on the conceptualization, development, and management of large scale research programs in Alzheimer's disease.  Zaven is the "creator" of the Virtual Center concept and the one who has championed - along with the other past and present members of the Alzheimer's Commission - to bring Virginia's Comprehensive Virtual Center on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders to reality. 

 So, why don't we start with the origins of the"virtual center" concept and what really triggered the need to build it?

ZK: The “Virtual Center” idea is a further elaboration of the “Center” concept used by the National Institutes of Health. It is a hybrid that amalgamates some of the of feature of the “Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center” funded by the National Institute on Aging and some characteristics of the "Comprehensive Cancer Treatment Centers" funded by the National Cancer Institute. The “virtual” aspect of the Virginia Center is designed to focus on integrating the intellectual assets and/or capabilities of various participating partner or groups; rather than the physical assets.

 To whom do you attribute the success of taking this project off the ground? 

ZK:  The leadership and support of the Virginia Department of Aging staff, especially Bill Peterson and Janet Honeycutt, and the volunteer members of the Commission; their dedication and tireless effort to make the idea become a reality. 

 Do you think the virtual centers will be the "future" of collaborative research?

ZK: Alzheimer's disease is a complex problem with many facets; the solution requires collaboration and integration of expertise from any domains. The expectation is to develop the Virginia Virtual Center as a prototype for addressing the pending national public health epidemic.  

 What makes you think that Virginia's Comprehensive Virtual Center on Alzheimer's Disease will be a success?

ZK:  The dedication and support of all the people involved along with the detailed careful planning of every step of its development.  The project will succeed because it is designed to create a win-win situation for all that have a vested interest in AD. 

 Is AlzPossible, Virginia's Virtual Center on AD, a unique endeavor and if so, what gives its "edge"?

ZK:  The Virginia’s Virtual Center on AD is designed to take a systems approach to address the complex problem of AD with its many facets.  The careful planning and implementation process will provide a unique competitive edge in soliciting the funds to support this initiative.

 What projects do you envision for Virginia's Virtual Center on AD in the next five years?

ZK:  The establishment of a web-based communication system is almost completed; this will provide the infrastructure for establishing a statewide communication system and the creation of a state-wide network of interconnected diagnostic and treatment/care clinics with instantaneous consultation/referral capabilities with experts at Charlottesville, Richmond or Fairfax. Stepwise and in stages the other components of the virtual center will be build e.g., a large database; training and education, research and technology transfer.

 Okay, we clearly see the big picture but what would be a "selling" point for academia, industry, government and public-at-large with respect to their joining the team of the Virtual Center, in other words, what's-in-it for each of these entities?

ZK:  The simple answer is the opportunity to “leverage” and “add-value” to ones own capabilities or expertise. The center will provide an opportunity for each participating entity to collaborate and gain the benefits of doing more than what each partner could do alone.  

 For the business people out there, tell us why would any of them partner with and invest in this Virtual Center? 

ZK:  The center will provide the business community a unique living laboratory for testing and improving a wide spectrum of products and services for the growing market of older people with various levels or types of physical or brain impairments.  In addition to the center serving as a spawning ground for new ideas for IP, product and services that could be commercialized.

 And finally, what would be three words that would characterize this project?

ZK: Comprehensive, well-integrated and cost-effective.

  Thank you very much - we look forward to learning more about AlzPossible's success! 

 

Interested in contacting Dr. Khachaturian?  Please click here to contact him.

 

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