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.
The Alzheimer Society Research Program (ASRP) is supported by generous donors and partner organizations. Each year, Brain Canada Foundation provides significant funding to drive our innovative research program, and support our Dementia Talks! Canada series.
The ASRP 2024 competition is also supported by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation and Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé. The ASRP has been made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada Foundation, and Alzheimer Society of Canada.
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.
The ASRP is changing dementia research in Canada
Since the Program's start in 1989, we have invested nearly $73 million in grants and awards toward innovative research that brings us closer to a future without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
The ASRP has two goals
- Encourage researchers to explore radical new ways to advance our knowledge of dementia, and
- Improve the quality of life for people living with dementia, their families and caregivers.
What kind of research is the ASRP currently funding? See the 2023 funding recipients and learn more about the researchers and projects making an impact on dementia in Canada!
Check out how your donations are supporting dementia research in Canada
Thank you for supporting the next wave of dementia research. Read this donor impact report to get the full picture of how your generosity is funding innovative treatments and unlocking new ways to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and caregivers in Canada. A digital version of this report is also available.
You can also check out the list of our annual and impact reports.
How can researchers get funding from the Alzheimer Society Research Program?
Know what kind of funding is available
The ASRP offers funding in four categories: Doctoral, Postdoctoral, the New Investigator Operating Grant and the Proof of Concept Grant.
For more information on how to apply, key dates, funding categories, guidelines and frequently asked questions, please check out Alzheimer.ca/Apply.
Know the program's funding priorities
But, before you apply! Please read on below to learn more about the ASRP's priorities and your opportunities for funding.
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.
See the infographic below for the ASRP's eight funding priorities and how they are weighed when funding is allotted.
Who has received funding in the past, and for what kind of projects? Check out the history of funding results for the Alzheimer Society Research Program.
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.
Meet some of the researchers we have funded in the past years through the Alzheimer Society Research Program.
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 funding partners
Thank you to our funding partners who expand the reach and impact of our national research program.
Brain Canada
Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Aging
Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQS)
Research Manitoba
Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation
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)