A Closer Look at the 2025 Research Forum
What’s real, what’s exaggerated, and what’s actually on the horizon when it comes to dementia research?
On Thursday, September 18, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba invites you to discover more about the latest developments in dementia research from an expert leading the way.
The annual Research Forum returns this fall with keynote speaker Dr. Donald Weaver, back by popular demand. It takes place in person at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain (CCFM) in Winnipeg and will be live-streamed at Alzheimer Society locations in Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Selkirk and Winkler. It’s free to register, but spots are filling up fast, so sign up today to make sure to get a seat!
*Please note: The Winnipeg location is currently full, but we are accepting registrations for a waitlist. You will be notified once seats become available. Registration for regional locations is still open.
Ahead of the event, we sat down with Dr. Weaver, one of Canada’s leading dementia researchers, to talk about the state of dementia research today, what’s worth paying attention to and what often gets overhyped.
“There is a lot of information out there. Some of it’s correct. Some of it isn’t,” he says. “If you have cognitive impairment yourself, or a family member has it, you really do need quality information.”
That’s why he encourages people to turn to trusted sources like the Alzheimer Society, which shares research that is clear, current and evidence-based.
“You want to be kept up to date, but you don’t want to be given false hope,” he says. “The worst thing is, there’s always somebody pushing some supplement or some diet… the majority of which have very little to justify their use.”
When it comes to promising developments, Dr. Weaver points to diagnostics — especially the advancement of blood tests — as one of the most exciting areas of change. “I have full expectations that there will be very valuable blood tests available within the not-too-distant future that will assist in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s,” he says.
He also stresses the importance of understanding risk factors, including those that are often overlooked. Repetitive head trauma, particularly in abusive relationships, remains underrecognized. So do the protective benefits of continued learning and multilingualism.
“Your brain is what makes you,” he says. “I think people should be passionate about protecting their brain.”
As Dr. Weaver returns to Winnipeg, these themes reflect just some of the topics that may be explored at this year’s forum, including risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life.
By attending our research forum, you’ll be equipped with the tools to stay informed and find reliable, accurate sources of information about dementia. It can help you when providing care to someone living with dementia, when taking care of your own brain health or if you’re simply curious about dementia research and how it might affect your life.
To register for the Research Forum, or to learn more about the event, visit alzheimer.mb.ca.