World Alzheimer’s Month
Message from Dr. Jane Rylett

During this World Alzheimer’s Month, we have been reflecting on the milestones and contibutions of the CIHR Institute of Aging (CIHR-IA) and the many ways we have worked to foster progress in aging and dementia research across Canada and beyond.

In July, we showcased the achievements of the Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment in Aging (BHCIA) Research Initiative in Toronto. This milestone event brought together researchers, trainees and partners to share research findings, exchange ideas and celebrate newly funded research. We were honoured to welcome Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Maggie Chi, who announced $44.8 million in new research funding from CIHR and partners underscoring the Government of Canada’s commitment to advancing the research and innovation component of Canada’s National Dementia Strategy.

At the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), CIHR-IA convened 22 organizations to collaborate in a Canadian Pavilion in the conference’s exhibit hall, showcasing the strength and impact of Canadian research on the global stage. Once again, we were grateful to Parliamentary Secretary Chi for her presence, support and engagement with researchers and partners at the Pavilion. We also hosted a networking event with partners at AAIC, where over 200 people gathered to connect, collaborate and strengthen partnerships.

This spring, CIHR-IA also celebrated the achievements of researchers funded through the Brain Health and Reduction of Risk for Age-related Cognitive Impairment – Knowledge Synthesis and Mobilization Grants, highlighting the ways in which evidence is being translated into practice to benefit older persons living with cognitive impairments and their caregivers.

I was honoured to participate as a panelist in a recent webinar, Addressing Dementia in Canada: Raising Awareness, Challenging Stigma and Reducing Our Risk, hosted by the National Institute on Ageing at the Toronto Metropolitan University, where I shared perspectives on the importance of research and collaboration in shaping the future of healthy aging.

We worked to foster collaboration through the efforts of the Dementia Research and Innovation Funders Alliance. This Alliance unites partners from across the country, committed to funding research that drives innovation and improves the lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers. During our annual meeting this November, we will continue to work with our 30 partners to align our national investments in dementia research and innovation

And as we move through World Alzheimer’s Month, CIHR-IA is reminded of the importance of this work and the urgency to include the voices of those impacted by dementia. Through these actions, CIHR-IA remains committed to funding transformative research and fostering the connections that make this work possible. Together, we are driving momentum in brain health and aging research, strengthening partnerships across Canada and internationally, and ensuring that older persons and caregivers remain at the heart of our efforts.

Dr. Jane Rylett
Scientific Director, Institute of Aging

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