New research initiative will focus on the aging brain and the complex care needs of older adults with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment
Toronto – Dementia is having a substantial and growing impact in Canada and around the world. Based on current trends, by 2030, the number of people living with dementia will nearly double. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the best quality of life for the aging population in Canada by addressing the challenges of aging and brain health issues, including dementia.
Kamal Khera, Minister of Seniors, on behalf of Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced a $38.3 million investment over five years through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Aging for a new Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment in Aging (BHCIA) Research Initiative.
This new initiative will support the latest areas of research to study the brain as it ages and identify what can be done to reduce the risks of dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment. Through the development and launch of strategic funding opportunities, the initiative also aims to improve the care and services for people living with cognitive impairment, including dementia as well as improve the wellbeing of their caregivers and care providers.
The BHCIA Research Initiative is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and partners, including the Azrieli Foundation and its Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE), the Weston Family Foundation , the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the Brain Canada Foundation and the BrightFocus Foundation.
“As we all age, protecting our safety while maintaining our wellbeing is crucial for a good quality of life. Through this new Research Initiative, we are supporting better care and services for those living with cognitive impairment, including dementia while ensuring the wellbeing of their care providers and caregivers. By supporting innovative projects and research across the country, we are helping improve health outcomes for people living with brain health issues, including dementia, and contributing to a better quality of life for them, their families, and caregivers.” – Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health
“We all know someone affected by dementia or other cognitive impairments and the profound challenges it poses for seniors, their caregivers and families. Research is critical to help us to find better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat dementia, and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by it. By doing so, we can create more inclusive communities where people living with cognitive impairment and their caregivers feel valued and supported.” – Kamal Khera, Minister of Seniors