I initiated a large scientific and societal action plan to improve prevention, treatment and care for dementia in the Netherlands, entitled Deltaplan Dementia in 2012, which has already supported a large number of research projects on dementia, increased societal awareness and improved health care for dementia patients. In 2011 I became a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2016 I was awarded the European Grand Prix for Alzheimer’s Research. In November 2018 Expertscape recognized me as one of the leading experts in the world in Alzheimer's disease.

In 2020 I was knighted in the Order of the Netherlands Lion as a recognition for my entire career in the field of dementia. I am an Honorary Professor of Neurology at several world-leading universities. Since October 2020 I am also managing partner of the LSP Dementia Fund.