Our research partnerships

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. works to change the future for people affected by dementia by supporting research focused on prevention, diagnosis, care and support. We leverage partnerships to expand our impact in terms of research – as a funder, collaborator or knowledge mobilizer. As knowledge mobilizers, we seek to share research in ways that are meaningful for people affected by dementia, policy makers and practitioners.

Partnership with Michael Smith Health Research BC (MSHRBC)

We recognize the importance of supporting researchers, especially those in the early stages of their careers. Each year, we partner with MSHRBC to co-fund successful applications from individual and team funding competitions.

Learn more about our funding partnership and the latest recipients here.

The Alzheimer Society Research Program (ASRP)

The ASRP is a collaborative initiative between the provincial Alzheimer Societies, the Alzheimer Society of Canada, partners and our donors. Since 1989, the ASRP has funded over $78 million in grants and awards nationally to encourage researchers to explore new ways of advancing knowledge on dementia. To date, 102 projects in British Columbia have received funding.

Learn more about the current ASRP recipients from B.C. here.

Investing in research

The Ralph Fisher and Alzheimer Society of B.C. Professorship in Alzheimer Disease Research

Established in 2007 through donations from the Ralph Fisher Foundation, Larkspur Foundation, the University of British Columbia and the Alzheimer Society of B.C., the professorship is a leadership position intended to advance research and clinical care and to promote the importance of research into Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

The current recipient is Dr. Robin Hsiung, Assistant Professor in the Division of Neurology in the Department of Medicine at the University of British Columbia and staff neurologist at the UBC Hospital Clinic for Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders.

Funding from the professorship has enabled Dr. Hsiung to:

• Examine the factors that cause dementia.
• Explore new techniques to help identify the different types of dementia.
• Develop tests to detect biomarkers in blood and spinal fluid.
• Provide leadership on clinical trials that investigate cutting-edge therapies for dementia at various stages.

This position was previously held by Dr. Howard Feldman who has contributed to a number of world-class discoveries, organized productive collaborations and provided leadership to the field internationally at the highest levels.

Clinical fellowships in dementia

Fellowships are a valuable tool to help advance the clinical and scholarly skills of a physician who wishes to orient their career in the service of persons with neurocognitive disorders, including dementia. These fellowships provide local physicians with an opportunity to gain experience in the assessment and care of people living with dementia and ultimately help to increase the number of specialists available to diagnose and treat people living with dementia in B.C.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. Fellow in Clinical Dementia - University of British Columbia

• In 2018, Dr. Clark Funnell became the first recipient of this funding for his work with UBC’s neurology team to identify novel biomarkers and generate innovative therapies for dementia.
• UBC is currently accepting applications for the succeeding fellow.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. Clinical Fellowship in Cognitive Health - University of Victoria

• To attract and nurture early-career researchers to pursue innovative dementia research right here in British Columbia, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and the University of Victoria have established the Clinical Fellowship in Cognitive Health.
• Dr. Émilie Langis is the first recipient of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Clinical Fellowship in Cognitive Health.