Baycrest

Rotman Research Institute scientists are tackling the public health challenge of dementia on multiple fronts, through studies on the prevention, early detection and diagnosis, and treatment of dementia and cognitive decline. Our research aims to determine the causes of cognitive decline in older adults, identify potential predictors and approaches for the treatment of age-related brain disorders, and illuminate lifestyle practices that will protect individuals' brain health. BAYCREST BECOMES THE SCIENTIFIC HEADQUARTERS OF THE CANADIAN CONSORTIUM ON NEURODEGENERATION IN AGING Thanks to a $46-million investment from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and other funding partners, the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) has been funded for a second phase, and Baycrest will become CCNA's scientific headquarters. CCNA, the national component of the Government of Canada's dementia research strategy, brings together over 300 researchers across the country to collaboratively work on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dementia and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases. This research supports Canada's first national dementia strategy. "With the establishment of CCNA's scientific headquarters at Baycrest, our organization has the largest network of dementia research being done across the country," says Dr. William Reichman, President and CEO of Baycrest. "CCNA joins Baycrest's robust research network supported by our scientists at the Rotman Research Institute and innovators at the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation, who are all working to support the national dementia strategy." Delaying dementia's onset CCNA funding will support the continuing work of 19 research teams across the country, including basic molecular research, studies on the treatment and diagnosis of dementia, and research looking at ways to improve the quality of life for individuals living with different forms of dementia. The second phase of CCNA includes the launch of a new national prevention platform, the Canadian Aging and Neurodegeneration Prevention Therapy Study Using Multidimensional Interventions for Brain Support – Unified Platform (CAN-THUMBS UP). This large-scale study on dementia prevention will build on research accomplished during the first phase of CCNA and identify individuals at greater risk of dementia. They will be provided with opportunities to undertake combination interventions to prevent the progression of cognitive decline. "There are at least 20 prevention strategies currently available that have the potential to slow cognitive decline and prevent various forms of dementia," says Dr. Howard Chertkow, CCNA's Scientific Director, and Senior Scientist and Chair in Cognitive Neurology and Innovation at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute. Dementia Research Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, RRI's Dr. Howard Chertkow, and other members of CCNA's leadership team at the announcement of Canada's first national dementia strategy. 6 ROTMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE Visit Baycrest's news section to hear about our latest research.

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