The Alzheimer's Association announces the election of Rebecca Chopp from Broomfield to its board of directors.
Chopp, 71, joins the 29-member, volunteer governing board in steering the strategic direction of the Association as it carries out its mission to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
Chopp is one of two individuals living with dementia to serve on the Association’s Board. She was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease in 2019. Prior to her diagnosis, Chopp served as chancellor of the University of Denver. During her distinguished academic career, she has held professorships and high-level appointments, including serving as president of Colgate and Swarthmore Colleges. She recently authored a new book, Still Me, Accepting Alzheimer’s without Losing Yourself, which will be available in early 2024.
In addition to her national appointment, Chopp is a member of the Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group, which helps raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia by sharing members’ personal insights and experiences of living with dementia with media and other audiences across the country. She currently serves on the board of the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter.
“I am honored to have this opportunity to use my voice to advance the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association,” Chopp said. “As someone living with early-stage dementia, I want to work to reduce disease-related stigma and give a face and voice to millions of other Americans living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia.”
Chopp was elected to a one-year term of service.
“We are pleased to welcome Rebecca to the Alzheimer’s Association board of directors,” said Sarah Lorance, chair, Alzheimer’s Association board of directors. “Having her insight and perspective as someone living with dementia will be invaluable to our work and ensuring it is responsive, inclusive and reflective of the real-life challenges facing individuals and families affected by dementia.”
Chopp earned her B.A. degrees in Speech and Religion. She subsequently earned a M.A. degree in Divinity from St. Paul School of Theology and a Ph.D. from University of Chicago. She and her husband Fred reside in Broomfield. They share three sons.
Nearly 7 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2023
Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, including 76,000 in Colorado. Alzheimer’s is a leading cause of death in the United States. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest Alzheimer’s advocacy organization in the world. The Alzheimer’s Association advocates for the needs and rights of people facing Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia. The Association is driving policymakers in Washington, D.C., and across the country to take historic steps to address the growing Alzheimer’s public health crisis. The Association’s efforts have secured robust increases for Alzheimer's and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and critical legislation, such as the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, to make a positive and meaningful impact on people living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.