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Tag: Alzheimer Society Research Program

Meet our Researchers: Lillian Hung, RN, PhD, Simon Fraser University
Meet our Researchers: Lillian Hung, Simon Fraser University

Meet our Researchers: Lillian Hung, Simon Fraser University

As Canada’s population ages and more people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, hospitals are seeing a growing number of acute care visits by people with dementia. The reason for their stay may not directly relate to their dementia. For example, they may have heart disease, they may have broken bones after a fall or they are feeling depressed. However, a stay in the hospital can be a stressful if not frightening experience for anyone, and…

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Let's talk about help for today: Pauline Tardif, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Canada
Let’s talk about help for today

Let’s talk about help for today

When I last spoke with you, I asked what you thought about dementia research in Canada and the challenges we face together. Supporters like you, speaking from your own personal experience, agreed that this isn’t a tomorrow problem for Canada—it’s our problem today! Today, I’m reaching out again to give you an update and ask for more of your insights. An update on the national dementia strategy As CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada, I am pleased to have…

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Meet our Researchers: April Khademi, Ryerson University
Meet our Researchers: April Khademi, Ryerson University

Meet our Researchers: April Khademi, Ryerson University

Dementia is a complicated umbrella of diseases. Whether it’s the science of the brain itself, or the quality of life issues that affect people with dementia and their caregivers, there are many different and difficult challenges to consider. It’s not surprising then, that there are a number of different areas within dementia research—everything from diagnosis to therapy to caregiver support. The variety of challenges that come with the disease means that dementia researchers must be able to cover a wide…

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Picture of Dr Daniel Sparks
Your support at work: Dr. Daniel Sparks’ research is helping narrow down on the cause of Alzheimer’s disease

Your support at work: Dr. Daniel Sparks’ research is helping narrow down on the cause of Alzheimer’s disease

Our 2017 Alzheimer Society Research Program recipients are hard at work building cutting-edge insights into the treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Daniel Sparks is bringing novel insights that may narrow down on the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Support researchers like Daniel today. The Alzheimer Society Research Program funds new research initiatives every year, targeting two types of research: Biomedical and Quality of Life. Since its inception, the program has funded an incredible $53 million in grants and awards. Last year,…

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Meet our Researchers: Tamara Sussman, McGill University
Meet our Researchers: Tamara Sussman, McGill University

Meet our Researchers: Tamara Sussman, McGill University

I have a long professional and personal history working with people living with dementia. My mother was a gerontological social worker who used to share some of the struggles people with dementia faced including feeling isolated, alone and misunderstood. Following in her footsteps, I too became a social worker for older adults and began to hear those stories firsthand. As I listened, it occurred to me that many of the challenges that persons with dementia faced were created by us…

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Clearing the air about cannabis and dementia, with Dr. Krista Lanctôt, PhD
Clearing the air about cannabis and dementia

Clearing the air about cannabis and dementia

As Canada dives headfirst into the legalization of cannabis, there has been rising interest in its potential medicinal benefits, including its therapeutic use for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Over the past decade, researchers and clinicians have investigated the effects of cannabinoids, the chemical compounds in the cannabis plant that give it its medicinal and recreational properties. One of the things they have studied is whether cannabinoids can reduce agitation. We know that agitation is a common change in behaviour in…

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Let's talk about research
Let’s talk about research

Let’s talk about research

Today, I’m reaching out because I want to know what you think about dementia research in Canada. Your own experience and the wisdom of your insights can help the Alzheimer Society amplify the voices of people like you – ensuring that these voices are heard and action is taken. I hope you will join the conversation. Since coming on board as CEO, the goodwill, expressions of support and advice from individuals across the country have been heartwarming and deeply appreciated….

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Meet our Researchers: Simon Duchesne, Université Laval
Meet our Researchers: Simon Duchesne, Université Laval

Meet our Researchers: Simon Duchesne, Université Laval

As a biomedical engineer, I don’t have your typical background for someone researching Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. In fact, if you had told me 18 years ago that dementia would be my main field of research, I’d be surprised. Back then, I was most interested in diagnostic radiology—the field of medicine that uses imaging exams to aid in diagnosis—for the planning of epilepsy surgery.

Meet our Researchers: Fernanda de Felice, Queen's University
Meet our Researchers: Fernanda de Felice, Queen’s University

Meet our Researchers: Fernanda de Felice, Queen’s University

Who would I be without my memories? I consider the treatment of dementia to be one of the greatest current and future health challenges, and I am keen to find ways to protect the brain from the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease. However, there’s a lot we still don’t about this disease. I think a key step is to try to diagnose the disease as early as possible before a lot of damage occurs in the brain, so you’re able…

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Meet our Researchers: Debra Sheets, University of Victoria
Meet our Researchers: Debra Sheets, University of Victoria

Meet our Researchers: Debra Sheets, University of Victoria

For people with dementia and their caregivers, it can be difficult to find activities that strike the right balance between being supportive, being socially appropriate and, of course, being fun. As the disease progresses and abilities change, it’s common for friends to withdraw and activities to start to fall away. A person is left with few things that can offer joy, a sense of purpose and human connection. I’ve seen this firsthand—my father had dementia for 18 years. As it…

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