Next week, Toronto will play host to the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, a key event in the global fight against dementia. Researchers, healthcare professionals, caregivers, advocates, and individuals with personal experience will gather to discuss the latest advancements in dementia science and explore new strategies to prevent, treat, and care for those affected by this condition. As of 2022-23, nearly 487,000 Canadians aged 65 and older, along with over 57 million people worldwide, live with dementia, highlighting the critical need for continued research.

During a recent research showcase, Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, on behalf of the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, unveiled a major funding boost aimed at tackling dementia. The Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), will contribute $39.4 million to expand research efforts focused on dementia and brain aging. This initiative is part of the CIHR’s Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment in Aging Research Program. Additional support from global partners brings the total investment to $44.8 million. The Azrieli Foundation, the Brain Canada Foundation, and Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council have pledged a combined $5.4 million in funding to this cause.

“This investment reflects our commitment to supporting Canadians affected by dementia and caregivers, and to advancing the research needed to prevent it. Through collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing, we are building a stronger foundation for brain health and a healthier future for Canadians,” stated Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Don Valley North.

“There is growing evidence that healthy living can help support brain health and may reduce the risk of developing dementia. CIHR is proud to invest in research with our partners that strengthens this evidence, advances innovative approaches to prevention, treatment and care, and contributes to a healthier future for Canadians,” said Dr. Paul Hébert, President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

The investment will be directed to several key research and training initiatives:

  1. Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA): The largest portion of the funding, $40.3 million, will go towards the operations of the CCNA and the establishment of 16 new research teams from across Canada. These teams will focus on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care for dementia patients and their caregivers. Additionally, two international teams, co-funded by Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council, will explore dementia in Indigenous populations in both Canada and Australia.
  2. Brain Health Care and Support in Aging Training Platform (BHCare): An investment of $2.4 million will go towards the development of the BHCare platform, which aims to train the next generation of experts—scientists, clinicians, policy leaders, advocates, and administrators—dedicated to advancing brain health.
  3. Brain Health Resources and Integrated Diversity Hub (BRAID): With $2.1 million in funding, the BRAID Hub will serve as a national knowledge mobilization center. It will transform research findings into actionable educational resources, tools, and support systems, ensuring that evidence-based practices are accessible to those who need them most.

This $44.8 million investment reflects Canada’s leadership in the field of brain health research, positioning the country as a key player in global efforts to combat dementia and improve the quality of life for those affected by age-related cognitive decline.