Ottawa makes $30 million investment in CABHI

TORONTO – The federal government has announced a $30 million investment to continue supporting the implementation of Canada’s National Dementia Strategy. This investment will be provided to the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) to help accelerate innovation in aging and brain health so that older adults can age safely in the setting of their choice while maintaining their cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being.

“The federal government’s reinvestment in CABHI enables us to continue filling our vital role in Canada’s health, research, and innovation ecosystem,” said Dr. Allison Sekuler (pictured), president and chief scientist of the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation.

“CABHI improves the lives of people at-risk-for and living with dementia, and their caregivers, by ensuring the best Canadian solutions get into the hands of people who need them as quickly as possible, while also advancing economic success of Canada’s researchers and entrepreneurs and increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of seniors’ care organizations.”

As of 2020, almost 474,000 people aged 65 and older have been diagnosed with dementia in Canada – of those, two thirds are women. As our population ages, the number of Canadians affected by dementia is expected to increase, and based on current trends, by 2030, the number of people living with dementia will nearly double.

Budget 2022 provided $30 million over three years to CABHI. With this additional funding, CABHI will continue to support promising innovations across the country that help to meet the needs of older adults, and people living with brain health issues, including dementia. Innovative solutions will cover a range of issues, including aging at home, cognitive health, care coordination, financial health and wellness, and support the development of programs to test solutions in real-world healthcare delivery organizations.

“As we all age, protecting our safety while maintaining our well-being is crucial for a good quality of life. That is why we are partnering with CABHI, who works to support innovative projects and research across the country to improve health outcomes for people living with brain health issues, including dementia. These projects contribute to a better quality of life for older adults, their families, and caregivers,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, federal minister of Health.

From 2015-2021, the Government of Canada provided $44 million to Baycrest Health Sciences to support the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation. From 2016-2021, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) invested more than $212 million in dementia research.