Research and Innovations Impact
Inquiring minds lead the way to better brain health and aging
Innovation and curiosity are part of our DNA at Baycrest.
Using technology, expertise and innovation, we’re helping older adults discover a new world full of possibilities, free of fear.
Baycrest is connected nationally and internationally to other leaders in brain health, in part through the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), powered by Baycrest; as the scientific headquarters of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA); and through its world-renowned Rotman Research Institute (RRI). Our campus facilitates collaboration among scientists, clinicians, educators, students, volunteers and older adults and their families who are discovering new ways to improve brain health and aging.
Spearheaded by Baycrest, CABHI was established as the result of the largest investment in brain health and aging in Canadian history. The Centre is a unique collaboration of health care, science, industry, not-for-profit and government partners whose aim is to help improve quality of life for the world’s aging population, allowing older adults to age safely in the setting of their choice while maintaining their cognitive, emotional and physical well-being.
The 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.
At the same time, scientists at the RRI are advancing our knowledge of the aging brain. Its foundational science research programs focus on perception, cognition and brain function, unlocking the mysteries of brain health and memory to help defeat dementia.
Performance and impact
Baycrest is proud to be recognized as the number one hospital in Canada for research intensity (the amount of funds allocated per researcher) for the third year in a row, according to Research Infosource’s Canada’s Top 40 Research Hospitals 2024.
Our researchers have uncovered ground-breaking discoveries to help stem the tide of dementia; have shown that older brains can rewire themselves to maintain cognitive function; demonstrated bilingualism’s protective effects against dementia; shown how eating well is linked to good brain health; unlocked the hidden benefits of volunteering; and created a virtual brain combining neuroimaging with the power of artificial intelligence to speed up diagnosis and the development of treatments.
Within Baycrest’s highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, our staff, clients, volunteers and partners work together to understand, protect and enhance brain health throughout lifetimes, with a common goal of adding life to years.