CIHR Scientific Director named Chair of World Dementia Council

News Release

Dr. Yves Joanette to lead international board coordinating global efforts to tackle dementia

March 1, 2016 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

On February 25, the World Dementia Council officially named Dr. Yves Joanette, Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Aging, as its new Chair. The World Dementia Council stems from a G8 (now G7) Summit on Dementia commitment in 2013. It has since expanded to include more country representation. As Chair, Dr. Joanette will oversee the work of the Council in coordinating global efforts and helping find tangible solutions to the challenge of dementia.

In Canada, it is estimated that 6-15 percent of individuals over 65 years old are living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Around the world, that number is estimated at 47.5 million. This shows how dementia knows no boundaries and why Council members will work together to fast track the development and commercialization of life enhancing drugs, treatments and care for people around the world living with dementia.

As Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Aging, and professor at the University of Montreal, Dr. Joanette has closely contributed to dementia research efforts in Canada and internationally. He currently co-leads the CIHR Dementia Research Strategy, through which the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (or CCNA) is supported. The CCNA brings together over 350 Canadian researchers to improve diagnosis, treatments, and quality of life for dementia patients and their caregivers. With Dr. Joanette's expertise, combined with the significant Canadian footprint in dementia research, Canada will contribute greatly to the work of the World Dementia Council.

Quotes

"It is impressive to see the will and dedication of all the members on the Council. With the size of the challenge before us, only through a concerted effort across all sectors and countries, will we be able to make a difference in the lives of those living with this devastating disease. Over the coming months and years, we will work tirelessly for people living with dementia, their families and caregivers."
- Dr. Yves Joanette
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Aging

"Dementia and other neurological diseases have significant impacts on the lives of individuals and caregivers. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I want to congratulate Dr. Joanette on his appointment as Chair of the World Dementia Council. I am always impressed by Canadian researchers' contribution to improving human health both nationally and globally." 
- The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Health

"There is a tidal wave of dementia coming our way worldwide.  We need to see greater investments in research to develop a cure, but also to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and the support given to their caregivers."
- Dr. Margaret Chan
WHO Director-General

"I have no doubt Dr. Joanette will excel in his leadership position on the World Dementia Council. His solid reputation in this field of research will be invaluable as he continues to shape health care advancements here in Canada and around the world. This nomination will bring global visibility to Canada's contributions to the pursuit of a treatment for dementia and I congratulate Dr. Joanette on this appointment." 
- Dr. Alain Beaudet
President, CIHR

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Media Relations
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
613-941-4563
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened health care system for Canadians. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 12,600 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

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