Research Highlights
In 2010-2011, CIHR invested approximately $26.1 million in research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
CIHR is pleased to highlight the Alzheimer’s research being done by several of our funded researchers. Learn more about how the results from their research directly contribute to improved health and health care for Canadians.
Featured researchers
Molecular mechanisms
Who
Dr. Lili-Naz Hazrati, neuropathologist, Toronto General Hospital/University Health Network
Issue
Currently, there is no treatment that slows or stops the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Approach
Dr. Hazrati is using genomics and proteomics approaches to analyze the role of specific proteins and genes in maintaining the health of synapses and preventing their death as a result of Alzheimer's disease.
Impact
Dr. Hazrati's work will lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and could potentially lead to the development of a therapy that can disrupt those mechanisms to slow or stop the progression of the disease.
Computer-based drug design
Who
Dr. Donald Weaver, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Clinical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
Issue
There are drugs that treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's, but no drugs right now that modify the course of the disease, by stopping or slowing its progression.
Approach
Dr. Weaver has used computer-based drug design to identify a compound that interferes with the processes that lead to Alzheimer's disease. He is now testing that compound to see if it could become a drug.
Impact
If successful, Dr. Weaver's research could lead to the first drug to stop or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Better and faster diagnosis
Who
Dr. Sylvie Belleville, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal
Issue
Identifying people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, before the disease does too much damage to the brain.
Approach
Dr. Belleville is using simple tests of memory, attention and perception to distinguish those who suffer from mild cognitive impairment from those in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Impact
Identifying people with Alzheimer's disease early means that measures can be taken to slow the rate of damage to the brain.
Tools for caregivers
Who
Dr. Pia Kontos, Research Scientist, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute; Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto
Issue
Agitation or violence in people with dementia is often interpreted as symptoms, rather than as a meaningful self-expression, and consequently treated with chemical and physical restraints.
Approach
Dr. Kontos is using drama to make health-care professionals aware of this self-expression and help them develop better strategies to respond to it.
Impact
Health-care professionals using Dr. Kontos' approach with dementia patients have found that agitation and violence decrease, reducing the need for drugs or restraints and making it easier for them to do their jobs.
Picturing Dementia
Who
Dr. Sandra Black, research director, Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute.
Issue
The causes and progression of dementia are still poorly understood.
Approach
Dr. Black and her team are taking high quality brain scans of dementia patients to see how the disease affects different parts of the brain over time.
Impact
The project has already revealed important information about the connection between cardiovascular health and dementia. It has also shown that dementia is often the result of multiple disorders.
Read more