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The Alzheimer Society of B.C. supports current research directed at finding the causes and the cure for Alzheimer's and dementia, and to improving the lives of the more than 70,000 individuals and families in our province who are living with the disease.
Research Grants and Training Awards in B.C.
Each year, a portion of funds from the Alzheimer Society Research Program (ASRP) supports research grants and training awards in B.C.Research Grants and Training Awards 2011-2012
B.C. funds 11 new researchers
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is pleased to announce that 11 B.C. researchers have been awarded funding grants for their work advancing knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The research ranges from the biomedical focus – including early detection methods, brain scans for more accurate diagnosis to genetics-based medical treatments – to quality of life research that includes the impact of care facility environments, driving and dementia, and the impact of stress reduction on cognitive abilities in older adults. Click here to learn more about the researchers and their work.
Biomedical Research Grants and Awards
- Shernaz Bamji (UBC) – PGRN and TDP-43 function in neuronal connectivity ($75,000)
- Michael Hayden (UBC) – Function and regulation of cell-type specific ABCA1 in AD ($148,901)
- Douglas Allan (UBC) – Genetic mechanisms underlying the maintenance of neuronal differentiation in adult and aging neurons ($146,000)
- Mirza Faisal Beg (SFU) – Discrimination between AD and FTD using novel anatomical features from brain MR scans ($91,980)
- Cheryl Wellington (UBC) – Progestins as novel therapeutic agents for Alzheimer’s disease ($65,000)
- Zhe Wang (UBC) – Regulation of UCHL1 in neurodegeneration ($81,000)
- Pradeep Kumar Ramana (SFU) – Early detection of probably Alzheimer’s dementia with a novel multi-classifier fusion approach ($61,590)
Quality of Life Research Grants and Awards
- Andre Smith (UVic) – Investigating discontinuation of cholinesterase inhibitor therapy from the perspective of AD caregivers ($20,229.63)
- Colette Smart (UVic) – Feasibility and impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction on cognitive and psychological functioning in older adults with cognitive complaints ($45,000)
- Heather Cooke (UVic) – The dementia care milieu: the impact of the care facility environment on the provision of person-centred care ($41,060)
- Alexander Jouk (UVic) – Driving and dementia: adapting an applied theatre resource for us with caregivers ($30,795)
To learn more about research in B.C. and Canada visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada website.
In 1999, Michael Hayden, director and senior scientists of medical genetics at UBC and his team had identified the ABCA1 gene as a cholesterol transporter in the brain. His team will now examine whether the same gene can influence the development of Alzheimer’s disease by regulating brain cholesterol metabolism and inflammation. By analyzing the specific roles of ABCA1 in brain inflammation, cell death, senile plaque, and tangle formation, which are the cardinal features of Alzheimer’s disease, the study will also explore new ways to increase brain ABCA1 activity. The findings could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
Grant and award recipients (2007-2010)
2010-2011
In This Section
Meet one of our B.C scientists and research program awardees,
Dr. Michael Hayden!
