We asked and you responded!
Your input helped to determine research priorities
Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories (AS AB/NT) recently announced a partnership with Campus Alberta Neuroscience (CAN) to help the Society invest $5M in Alberta-based dementia research. A survey was deployed to stakeholders in care settings, research institutions and to those with lived experience to help determine research priorities.
AS AB/NT shared the survey with clients, family members, and care partners while CAN shared the survey with researchers; 442 responses were received.
Among the groups, the following were identified as the highest priorities for research investment:
- Alzheimer’s and dementia prevention
- Innovation in early diagnosis and treatment
- Improvement and maintenance of quality of life
- Predicting Alzheimer’s and dementia
The survey was an important step that helped to inform the research.
As Svenja Espenhahn, Interim Executive Director for CAN explained: “Taking opportunities to involve the community in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research is vital to our mission of better brain health for all, as it helps ensure research is culturally relevant, informed by diverse perspectives, and aligned with community health priorities. It promotes co-learning between the community and researchers, increasing the capacity for collaboration in effectively translating research findings into policy and practice, resulting in better quality of life for Canadians, especially those most impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”
The Hope for Tomorrow research competition was launched on September 21, 2022, on World Alzheimer’s Day. Research teams from Alberta-based research institutions are eligible for up to $250,000. Innovative and novel Quality of Life research that has the potential to make a significant impact for patients, families, and caregivers is this year’s Area of Focus.
Full details about the research competition are available here.
For more information about how you can support life-changing dementia research contact:
Holli Bjerland, Provincial Lead, Philanthropy Team
Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories
E-mail: hbjerland@alzheimer.ab.ca
Phone: (587) 635-0804