"Recently, a number of critics have begun to accuse the G8 of being out of touch with the new, more expansive globalized geopolitical balance of the 21st century. Some have even argued that the G20 −- which includes representation from all continents −- will supplant the G8 in the near future.

Whatever history will reveal to us about the truth of these claims, the G8 continues to play a leadership role in setting the agenda for major global issues. This role is on display this week as the G8 meets to address a momentous new challenge confronting both developed and developing nations -- Alzheimer's and related dementias."

Read George Vradenburg's full piece on Huffington Post here.