Research - Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

Around the world, the scientific community is devoting substantial effort and funding to dementia research. Researchers are looking for ways to prevent the disease, to improve quality of life for people living with dementia and to ultimately find a cure to eradicate the disease.

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The Many Faces of Dementia in Canada

Dementia is a major public health problem in Canada and around the world, affecting millions of people. Research indicates significant variations in the risk of development, prevalence, clinical presentation, and health outcomes across various communities in Canada, including differences in ethnicity, race, sex, gender and age.

With the rapid rise of our aging population in Canada, this is one of the first studies that seeks to better understand the many faces of dementia, so that no one is left behind and we’re able to serve their specific needs and those in their circle of care.

Understanding the unique needs and experiences of diverse communities is a key step in improving the quality of life for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Click here to view the full report

Click here to view the Provincial Data Report for Manitoba

Alzheimer Society Research Program Award 2024

The 2024 Alzheimer Society Research Program (ASRP) has awarded over $5 million to 40 researchers across the country to advance research related to all forms of dementia and find more effective means to diagnose, treat and eventually stop the disease, as well as improve day-to-day life and care.

This year, Manitoban researcher Dr. Jillian Stobart received the New Investigator Grant, generously co-funded by Research Manitoba.

Dr. Jillian Stobart, University of Manitoba

Title: Reducing astrocyte P2Y1 receptor signaling to slow Alzheimer’s Disease progression

Award/Grant:New Investigator Grant

Astrocytes, a type of brain glial cell, are important for brain function. During Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), astrocytes become abnormal. This may cause cell death and damage that contributes to the memory loss and sensory problems experienced by patients.

This study will investigate the P2Y1 receptor on astrocytes because it increases during AD. We believe that higher amounts of the P2Y1 receptor causes astrocytes to damage other brain cells during AD. We will genetically reduce astrocyte P2Y1 receptors in mouse models of AD. We expect that more brain cells will survive and that the brain will function better when these receptors are reduced. This will also lead to less memory problems in AD mice.

These results will help us better understand the causes of brain damage in AD. This will also lead to the future development of astrocyte P2Y1 receptor blocker drugs that slow disease progression.

Click here to find out more about ASRP, funded researchers, research news and accountability reports.

Click here to find out how to apply for the 2025 ASRP awards.

Alzheimer Society of Manitoba Graduate Student Fellowship Award 2023-2024

Each year, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba awards funding fellowships valued at $4,000 each to two graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding interest or commitment to dementia research.

These awards are offered to encourage graduate student interest in research in dementia. Specifically:

to enhance knowledge about the cause, treatment, cure and effects of dementia in the biomedical and psychosocial domains
to increase knowledge about the care of people living with dementia by formal and informal caregivers
to encourage graduate student interest in dementia
to stimulate graduate student research activity in dementia

The two graduate students receiving funding this year are:

Rashmita Chatterjee – awarded for her research focusing on virtual reality as a tool to improve navigation for people living with dementia.
Aneet Saran – awarded for her research on the use of motor imagery to improve motor planning, movement and muscle strength in people living with dementia.

To learn more about the Graduate Student Fellowship award and how to apply, visit the University of Manitoba website.

Navigating the Path Forward For Dementia in Canada

Canada needs bold action to head off an impending dementia care crisis. This report from the Alzheimer Society of Canada, released in September 2022, says actions to reduce risk have the potential to change the future of dementia in Canada — if governments act now.

Navigating the Path Forward for Dementia in Canada is the first volume of the Landmark Study, which represents the most significant update of the prevalence of dementia in Canada and its forecasted growth over the next 30 years.

Click here to read the full report

Click here to view the provincial findings for Manitoba

Participate in Research

Click here to find out how you can participate.

Click here for National studies looking for Canadians looking to participate.

Research Funding

Financial gifts directed towards research are crucial to help find better treatments and ultimately a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Without proper funding, research breakthroughs go undiscovered.
Click here to make a donation today!