Message from the Minister of Health, Secretary of State (Sport) and Secretary of State (Seniors) – Brain Health Awareness Month and Brain Awareness Week
Statement
March 16, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada
Brain Health Awareness Month and Brain Awareness Week highlight the importance of protecting and strengthening our body's most vital organ.
The best way to protect our brain is to reduce the risk of injuries and to recognize injuries when they occur. Concussions can happen in more ways than people think. In 2024-2025, an estimated 112,100 Canadians were diagnosed with a concussion in emergency departments. A hit to the head, neck, face, or body can jolt the brain, causing symptoms like nausea, confusion, light sensitivity, and imbalance, and can lead to short and long-term effects on brain health.
Head injuries are not limited to falls or sports. Brain injuries resulting from family violence are more common than many people realize, yet they often go undiagnosed and survivor's needs may go unaddressed. That is why the Government of Canada is investing over $1.6 million in the SOAR project to develop resources and training to help service providers across Canada provide comprehensive care to patients with brain injuries from intimate partner violence.
Protecting our brain also means supporting healthy aging. Today, more than 500,000 Canadians aged 65 years and older live with diagnosed dementia, making prevention and early action more important than ever. Staying physically active, eating a variety of healthy foods, not smoking, managing chronic health conditions, and maintaining a healthy weight can lower the risk of developing dementia and help delay symptoms.
Prevention must be complemented by targeted investments to improve the health and well-being of people living with dementia, their families, friends and caregivers. Since 2018, we have invested in projects that raise awareness about dementia, address key data gaps, improve access to dementia guidance and enhance online information resources, supporting the implementation of A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire.
As well, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), has built on these efforts by mobilizing since 2023 more than $75 million in federal and partner investments to support research aligned with Canada's national dementia strategy. Through its Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment in Aging Research Initiative, the CIHR is contributing to earlier detection, better care and support, and improved quality of life for people living with dementia, while easing the burden on families and caregivers.
Finally, caring for our mental health is an essential part of supporting brain health. If you are struggling with mental health challenges, you are not alone. Help is available – visit Canada.ca/mental-health.
The Honourable Marjorie Michel P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Adam van Koeverden P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Stephanie McLean P.C., M.P.
Contacts
Emmanuelle Ducharme
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Health
emmanuelle.ducharme@hc-sc.gc.ca
Alyson Fair
Director of Communications
Office of the Secretary of State (Sport)
alyson.fair@pch.gc.ca
Kirstie Hudson
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Seniors)
kirstie.hudson@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca
Canadian Heritage
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Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
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