Student Research Awards

The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia is committed to supporting research in dementia, as well as acknowledging the work of people who have chosen to research in this field. As a means of honouring this commitment, we are pleased to offer three awards to students and trainees pursuing dementia research in Nova Scotia.

Fred and Mary Walsh held the strong belief that giving back to your community makes a meaningful difference. Often it was by offering a bed and a hot meal to someone in need, their participation in various volunteer roles, or quietly making a financial contribution to a charitable organization. And now, their commitment to giving back has extended beyond their lifetimes. When Fred was diagnosed with frontal temporal dementia in 2010, Mary understood the importance and need for continued dementia research.   Mary felt that supporting ongoing research of the disease would eventually improve the lives of those affected, and would have a positive impact on their families and their caregivers. After her passing in 2022 it was her wish that part of her estate be left to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia to help support continued research in this area. The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia now offers the Fred and Mary Walsh Research Award in their honour.

Phyllis Horton was a founding member of the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. In 1980, her husband Del was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She found there was very little information available about the disease, or about caregiving. A contact at the Alzheimer Society in Toronto suggested that a local organization be set up. “I wanted to help other people deal with the same frustration I went through”, she said in a 1988 interview. Mrs. Horton’s family established a bursary in 1995, to support local research. The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia continues to offer the Phyllis Horton Student Research Award each year in Mrs. Horton’s honour.

Abraham (Abe) Leventhal was a Halifax businessman and quiet philanthropist. Over the years he supported countless causes, including the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. When Mr. Leventhal passed away in 2016 his estate provided bequests to eight charities, including the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. To honour his wishes, and his passion for research, we have established the Abe Leventhal Research Fund. A part of his gift has been designated to fund and maintain the Abe Leventhal Student Research Award, recognizing Mr. Leventhal’s generous custom of supporting students.

The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia will grant these awards to students in Nova Scotia who are actively involved in and interested in further pursuing research in dementia. The research may be in any field related to dementia. 

The Committee reserves the right to adjust the distribution of awards. If no suitable applications are received for a particular award, funds may be reallocated to qualified applicants from other levels of study. In some cases, fewer or no awards may be granted in a given year