Government of Canada and partners invest $44.8 million to support healthy brain aging

Press Release

From: Canadian Institutes of Health Research

The world’s dementia research community will gather next week at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto. At this global event, scientists, medical specialists, caregivers, advocates, and people with lived experience from Canada and abroad will discuss dementia science and how to improve the prevention, treatment, and care for dementia, a condition that, as of 2022-23, affects almost 487,000 Canadians aged 65 and older—and more than 57 million people worldwide.

At a research showcase highlighting Canada’s leadership in this field, Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, on behalf of the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced $39.4 million in funding from the Government of Canada through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to advance research on dementia and healthy aging. The funding is part of the CIHR Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment in Aging Research Initiative. An additional $5.4 million is provided by partners, the Azrieli Foundation and its Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, the Brain Canada Foundation, and Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council, bringing the total investment to $44.8 million.

This investment will support the following components:

Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA): $40.3M for the CCNA Operations Centre and 16 new research teams from across Canada that will study prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care for people with dementia and their caregivers. Two international teams, co-funded by Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council, will research dementia in Indigenous populations in Canada and Australia.
Brain Health Care (BHCare) and Support in Aging Training Platform: $2.4 million to support the BHCare training platform that will foster the development of the next generation of scientists, clinicians, policy leaders, advocates, and administrators working in brain health.
Brain Health Resources and Integrated Diversity (BRAID) Hub: $2.1 million to support the BRAID Hub, a national knowledge mobilization hub that translates evidence-based guidelines into accessible education, tools, and supports.

Quotes

“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.”

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.”

Dr. Paul Hébert
President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

“NHMRC remains committed to supporting dementia research in Australia and addressing the challenge of dementia within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Through sharing our knowledge with Canadian researchers, these grants will build lasting connections between researchers, institutions and countries on mutual global health priorities. Congratulations to the researchers and their teams receiving funding today to collaborate internationally – I can’t wait to see how you advance neurodegenerative disease research to support more equitable health outcomes.”

Professor Steve Wesselingh
CEO, National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Government

Quick facts

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms affecting brain function. It is a chronic condition that gets more severe over time and is often characterized by a decline in memory, planning, language, and judgement.
As of 2022-23, almost 487,000 people aged 65 and older were living with diagnosed dementia in Canada. That number is expected to increase as the population ages.
The CIHR Institute of Aging is leading the Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment in Aging Research Initiative to support the research and innovation goals of the national dementia strategy.

Government of Canada and partners invest $44.8 million to support healthy brain aging

NationTalk Partners & Sponsors Learn More