New California Alzheimer's Task Force Led by Maria Shriver Has a High-Profile Lineup

Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a task force led by the state's former first lady, Maria Shriver, that will look at the challenges that Alzheimer's presents for the state's expanding senior populace, reports the Sacramento Bee . Former U.S. Secretary of State George Schultz will serve as the group's strategic adviser, and former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta also will be a member. Also tapped by Newsom and Shriver to serve are leading physicians and researchers, in addition to caregivers and laypeople such as "Blue Zones" author Dan Buettner. "Far too many Californians have seen the crushing grip of Alzheimer's on our loved ones," Newsom stated in announcing the Alzheimer's Prevention and Preparedness Task Force. "It is one of the leading causes of death among Californians with particularly severe impacts on our mothers, wives, and daughters. It's time we take meaningful action for those living with Alzheimer's and for the people who love and care for them." The task force's inaugural meeting is scheduled for November as part of national Alzheimer's Awareness Month. The group is charged with issuing a report by fall 2020, around the same time that the unveiling of Newsom's master plan on aging is expected.