The Alzheimer Society Research Program
On this page, learn more about the Alzheimer Society Research Program, including funding opportunities for researchers, when applications open and highlights from previous ASRP funded research.
See the 2021 funding recipients!
What is the Alzheimer Society Research Program?
The Alzheimer Society Research Program (ASRP) is one of Canada's most innovative hubs for dementia research, helping the best and brightest minds in the field spark their work from ideas to impact.
Since the Program's start in 1989, we have invested over $67 million in grants and awards toward innovative research that brings us closer to a future without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Starting this year, the ASRP is changing the way it invests in research:
- Encouraging researchers to explore radical new ways to advance our knowledge of dementia, and
- Improving the quality of life for people living with dementia, their families and caregivers.
Read our latest donor impact report to get the full picture of what we do. You can also check out the list of our annual and impact reports. A digital version of this report is also available.
Funding for researchers
Application dates
Applications for the 2021 competition are now open! Please check out our page on how to apply for key dates, funding information, guidelines and frequently asked questions.
Before applying, learn more about the program's priorities and your opportunities for funding.
Funding priorities
Starting in 2019, the ASRP has shifted into an open competition that will focus on varying funding priorities: basic science research, clinical, health services and population health.
Applications in other aspects of dementia research, such as cause, prevention, risk, technology, social science, and psychosocial interventions are also considered.
Are you a researcher? Apply to the 2021-2022 competition, now open!
Examples of research funded through the ASRP
Through the support of the ASRP, dementia researchers across Canada were able to work on projects like:
"An intergenerational choir that provides a voice for people with dementia and caregivers through the power of music."
— Dr. Debra Sheets, University of Victoria
"Using MRI to predict the onset of dementia — 20 to 25 years before symptoms appear."
— Dr. Simon Duchesne, Université Laval
Read more about Dr. Duchesne's research on predicting dementia early.
"Adopting new and accessible technology such as iPads to emphasize person-centered care in hospitals."
— Dr. Lillian Hung, Simon Fraser University
Read more on Dr. Hung's research on using technology to assist dementia care.
Supporting the Program
The Alzheimer Society Research Program is a collaborative effort. The Alzheimer Society of Canada would like to thank the following:
Our donors
None of the research funded through the ASRP could be possible without your support. If you are interested in supporting dementia research through the ASRP, please donate today.
Our partners
Our partners include the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA), the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS), AGE-WELL NCE and the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation.
Find out more about our partners.
Alzheimer Societies across Canada
We also extend our thanks to the Alzheimer Societies who generously contribute to the Alzheimer Society Research Program each year:
- Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories
- Alzheimer Society of British Columbia
- Alzheimer Society of Manitoba
- Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick
- Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia
- Alzheimer Society of Ontario and Federation Partners (Brant-Haldimand Norfolk-Hamilton Halton; Chatham-Kent; Cornwall and District; Dufferin County; Durham Region; Elgin – St. Thomas; Grey-Bruce; Hastings – Prince Edward; Huron County; Kenora / Rainy River Districts; Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington; Lanark Leeds Grenville; London and Middlesex; Muskoka; Niagara Region; Ottawa and Renfrew County; Oxford; Peel; Perth County; Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton; Sarnia-Lambton; Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District; Simcoe County; Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay and Districts; Thunder Bay; Timmins-Porcupine District; Toronto; Waterloo-Wellington; Windsor-Essex County; and York Region)
- Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward Island
- Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan
- Federation of Quebec Alzheimer Societies and Federation Partners (Bas-Saint-Laurent, Centre-du-Québec, Chaudière-Appalaches, Côte-Nord, Estrie, Gaspésie Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Granby et régions, Haut-Richelieu, Lanaudière, Laurentides, Laval, Maskoutains-Vallée des Patriotes, Montréal, Outaouais québécois, Québec, Rive-Sud, Abitib-Témiscamingue, Sagamie–Saguenay–Lac-St-Jean, Suroît, and Vallée de l'Or)