Women's Brain Health Initiative

We are proud to recognize Dr Cindy Barha as the first Women’s Brain Health Initiative Future Leader, an honour that underscores her exceptional contributions to brain health research. As the aging population grows, effective, personalized lifestyle recommendations for healthy cognitive aging are needed. Dr. Barha and her team at Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary are studying physical activity as a strategy for brain health, investigating who benefits most from it, how it affects the brain, and how to tailor exercise for maximum value. They are evaluating how biological sex and cognitive health diagnosis affect the brain’s response to exercise. This work could empower the aging population to protect themselves against cognitive decline by making the right healthy lifestyle choices. Together, through our research and knowledge exchange initiatives, Brain Canada and Women’s Brain Health Initiative are shaping a brighter, healthier future for all Canadians.

We are thrilled to introduce NANCY BRAMM as the newest addition to our esteemed board of directors. Nancy is CIBC’s Vice President, Inclusion Projects, responsible for key strategic initiatives supporting CIBC’s global Inclusion strategy. This strategy includes programs and partnerships to attract, retain, and advance inclusive talent, build the inclusive leadership capabilities of the bank’s 45,000 team members, and promote financial inclusion. Before this, she was Vice-President, Inclusion and before that, she spent the majority of her 24 years at the bank, leading various corporate communications Prior to joining CIBC, she led the corporate marketing and communications team for Dun & Bradstreet Canada and headed up her own marketing communications consulting firm, drawing on her foundation and contacts from her early career as an award-winning business journalist. Nancy is a founding member and former Executive Sponsor of the CIBC Pride Network, and CIBC Women’s Network and was recognized as a “A Leader to be Proud of” in the Professional Leadership category by Out on Bay Street (now Start Proud). Nancy’s unique combination of communications expertise and advocacy for inclusion will greatly enrich our board’s efforts to raise awareness and drive impactful change in women's brain health. We are confident that Nancy’s leadership, strategic insights and dedication to inclusivity will be invaluable to Women's Brain Health Initiative as we continue to advance our mission.

Vivien Brown is a family physician in Toronto and a pioneer and tireless advocate nationally and internationally in raising awareness about women’s health issues, preventative healthcare, and healthy aging. Dr. Brown helps shape health policy in Canada through numerous advisory bodies, including as past Vice President of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada and Board member of Immunize Canada and Women’s Brain Health Initiative. Considering sex differences in health is vital because men and women often experience illness, treatment, and recovery differently due to biological, hormonal, and social factors. For example, heart disease symptoms in women can be more subtle than in men, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Hormonal changes, such as those during menopause or testosterone decline, also affect disease risk and progression uniquely. Medications are often tested primarily on male subjects, leading to unexpected side effects or ineffective treatments for women. Additionally, societal roles can influence how men and women prioritize their health, with women often delaying care due to caregiving responsibilities and men sometimes ignoring symptoms due to cultural pressures. Ultimately, considering sex differences ensures that health care is more personalized and effective, acknowledging the distinct needs of both men and women.

A recent insightful conversation with Stephanie Muskat MSW, RSW and WBHI President Lynn Posluns about the Initiative, caregiving, and protecting your brain health.

As we gather to give thanks this season, we celebrate you—the caregivers—whose work and compassion enrich the lives of countless families. May your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, peace, and the love you so generously give to others. You often go above and beyond, providing not just physical care, but emotional support, a listening ear, and a reassuring presence. In a world that can be overwhelming, you are the light and strength for those who need it most. Your dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts make an incredible difference in the lives of those you care for. Your kindness, patience, and strength bring comfort and hope to so many, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

Receiving an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis is a life-changing moment for the person living with it and for all those who love them. In this very personal firsthand account, Ruby Qureshi's husband Pasha talks about being a caregiver and how you can help loved ones who have been diagnosed. Sadly, we don’t adequately prepare family caregivers for the complex role they take on. Family caregivers often set their own health needs on the back burner because of the demands of their caregiving situation. This means that they are often sicker when they finally do seek care, adding to the illness burden they experience. Caregivers can feel more stress than those they are caring for. To help others, you must take care of yourself. Common signs of caregiver stress include: - I can’t get enough rest - I don’t have time for myself - I don’t have enough time to be with other family members - I feel guilty about my situation - I don’t leave home, hospital, or nursing home to do other things anymore - I have arguments with the person I care for and with other family members - I worry about having enough money - I don’t know the best way to care for my loved one - I feel my health is not good If most of these signs describe how you usually or always feel, you may have caregiver stress. Your stress can be physical, financial, environmental, social, and/or emotional. Try these tips to help you cope. Source: Sinai Health System

Women’s health is unique. There are significant differences in how women and men experience health conditions. Women’s unique biology also increases susceptibility and influences treatment efficacy for a variety of diseases, including heart disease, dementia, and mental health.   When most people think about women’s health, they focus on younger women, particularly those in the reproductive years. Five years from now, more than one-fifth of Canada’s population will be 65 years and older. The majority will be women. As they age, women will increasingly outnumber men. By reaching 100, they will outnumber men four to one. However, older women have been neglected when it comes to health funding and research.   Women’s Brain Health Initiative, alongside CIHR, is proud to fund Dr. Gillian Einstein, the world’s first Research Chair in Women’s Brain Health & Aging.

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett joined us on Women’s Brain Health Day and spoke about Prevention - The Recipe for Lasting Wellness. Prevention may be the answer for many of us to avoid insidious diseases. The proportion of senior Canadians in our population is growing. Dementia is strongly associated with aging, so the number of Canadians diagnosed with dementia — including Alzheimer’s — is expected to rise considerably in the next few decades. This means that effective prevention strategies are now more urgent than ever. Lifestyle and brain health lifestyle changes have been shown to decrease the risk of developing dementia with minimal costs and no side effects. Anyone can benefit from adopting healthy lifestyle habits, which are known to protect against diseases of the brain, heart, and other organs.

A fabulous evening with meaningful conversation at Women’s Brain Health Initiative’s recent From Her Lips to Our Ears event, featuring multiple award-winning actor Patricia Arquette, joined by the Hon. Lisa Raitt, Lynn Posluns, and Jackie Goldman. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor CIBC and to Aon, The Citrine Foundation of Canada, MNP, Onex, The Globe and Mail, Mark Lash, Side 3, Shiseido, Joseph Ribkoff and The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto for making the evening possible.

According to Dr. Love, “Exercise also increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which aids the growth and survival of brain cells. BDNF facilitates the repair of brain cells and the growth of new ones. Even if someone already has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, they can still exercise to help their memory.” He encourages people to exercise aerobically for at least 30 minutes three to five times a week and to strengthen their legs and hands. Exercise also helps mood and reduce depressive symptoms. A history of depression also increases the risk of Alzheimer’s later in life.