Researchers in B.C.

Researchers currently funded in B.C.

2024 Alzheimer Society Research Program awardees

The Alzheimer Society Research Program (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 over $10 million of funding. 

This year, eight researchers in B.C. were awarded ASRP funding for a variety of biomedical or quality-of-life research projects.

Andre Smith
University of Victoria
Proof of Concept Grant: A critical examination of family caregivers’ views on and experiences with medical assistance in dying.

Andre Snow
University of British Columbia
Doctoral Award: Investigating the role of amyloid precursor protein signaling in synapse formation and function.

Joanne Matsubara
University of British Columbia
Proof of Concept Grant: MicroRNA biomarkers: Using tears to assess Alzheimer’s disease.

Jolene Phelps
University of Victoria
Postdoctoral Award: Optimization of extracellular vesicle-based treatments in a 3D bioprinted model of Alzheimer’s disease.

Juanita-Dawne Bacsu
Thompson Rivers University
New Investigator Grant: Improving rural cognitive healthcare through lived experience: Care priorities, programs, and service needs.

Mark Cembrowski
University of British Columbia
New Investigator Grant: A "tipping point" neuron type driving Alzheimer's Disease progression.

Oi Yee (Joey) Wong
University of British Columbia
Doctoral Award: Co-creating culturally relevant virtual reality programs with community-dwelling older adults living with dementia: A patient-oriented research project.

Robert Britton
Simon Fraser University
Proof of Concept Award: Novel nucleotides for next-generation antisense oligonucleotides aimed at Alzheimer’s disease.

Other research projects in B.C.

Through the support of the ASRP, dementia researchers have been able to work on a wide variety of research projects, including the following:

Voices in Motion: An intergenerational choir that provides a voice for people with dementia and caregivers through the power of music

• Dr. Debra Sheets, University of Victoria
• Learn more about this project here.

Subjective cognitive decline: Giving a voice to the experiences of those with subjective cognitive decline to help identify individuals who are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease

• Jordan Ali, University of Victoria
• Learn more about this project here.

More useful links and resources

To learn about dementia-friendly and inclusive research, find out about the biggest research stories of the past year, read our annual research publication, “Focus on research” – 2025 edition. 

Learn more about the Alzheimer Society Research Program here.