The Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) brings together over 300 researchers from across the country to work towards improving the prevention, treatment and quality of life among people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and the quality of life of their caregivers. Since its inception in 2014, the CCNA has united the Canadian research community to tackle dementia-related issues. Led by CCNA Scientific Director, Dr. Howard Chertkow, dementia researchers have made significant progress in understanding the causes, treatment, and management of dementia. The first phase of the CCNA saw the launch of the largest dementia study in Canada, the Comprehensive Assessment of Neurodegeneration and Dementia (COMPASS-ND) study. Researchers involved in the study have worked towards recruiting 2,000 participants to create the world’s most in-depth study into different forms of dementia. With this information, CCNA researchers strive to accelerate dementia research around the world. Baycrest is a recruitment site for the COMPASS-ND study. Interested participants can contact 416-785-2500 x3627 or email ctuscreening@research.baycrest.org to be involved. A number of Baycrest researchers have been involved in CCNA since its launch by: Leading the creation of a Brain Health Food Guide – Dr. Carol Greenwood, senior scientist at Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute Running clinical trials to reduce the risk of dementia through lifestyle changes – Drs. Nicole Anderson and Carol Greenwood, RRI senior scientists Seeking ways to improve the experience of driving cessation for people with dementia and their family caregivers – Dr. Gary Naglie, RRI scientist In 2019, CCNA was funded for a second phase (2019-2024) thanks to continued support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and 11 other funding partners. For its second phase, the scientific headquarters of CCNA moved to Baycrest under the continued leadership of Dr. Chertkow, who is also a Chair in Cognitive Neurology and Innovation and a Senior Scientist at the RRI. CCNA’s administrative centre will remain at the Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, which hosted Phase I of CCNA. For more information about the ongoing work done by the CCNA and how you can get involved, visit CCNA’s website.
