In Canada, 750,000 people are living with dementia-a number projected to more than double by 2050. The global cost of dementia is expected to rise to $2.8 trillion annually by 2030. Without action, this crisis will strain individuals, families, healthcare systems and economies worldwide.

At Baycrest, we see a different future. Through our world-class expertise in research, education, innovation and care, we are transforming how the world approaches aging and brain health, creating pathways to a healthier, more prosperous future.

Predictive Neuroscience for Precision Aging

Baycrest is at the forefront of predictive neuroscience for precision aging-a holistic approach that considers the brain in connection with the body, environment and society. Predictive neuroscience enables the development of personalized longevity plans and brain health prescriptions tailored to individual needs, helping prevent and delay neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.

We've set an ambitious goal: no new preventable cases of dementia by 2050. Nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented through lifestyle modifications, including better hearing, exercise, diet and social engagement. Our Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health & Wellness is the world's first research-driven community centre dedicated to personalized dementia risk reduction.

Baycrest is also the scientific headquarters of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging, Canada's largest dementia research program. Additionally, our Defy Dementia project empowers individuals to proactively protect their brain health by fostering awareness and providing accessible tools.

Innovating Detection, Treatment and Care

Economic sustainability depends on early, accessible dementia detection, which current diagnostic tools do not provide. At Baycrest's Pamela and Paul Austin Centre for Neurology and Behavioural Support, we use AI-powered tools to streamline cognitive impairment screening. Our team is also developing and supporting the spread and scale of digital biomarkers to detect dementia well before memory symptoms emerge, ultimately improving outcomes and saving healthcare costs.

While there is no cure for dementia, symptoms can often be managed to enhance quality of life. Baycrest researchers use a precision aging approach to optimize promising treatments like non-invasive brain stimulation. For caregivers, our Koschitzky Centre for Innovations in Caregiving provides a free, 24/7 resource, the Canadian Caregiver Assessment and Resource Tool (C-CART), to support their vital work.

Moving Ideas to Impact

Transformative research and innovation are essential to achieving a prosperous future. The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), powered by Baycrest, accelerates the journey from idea to intellectual property to impact. CABHI's support for researchers and innovators ensures that ground-breaking ideas reach the people who need them most, enhancing brain health and aging care while driving economic growth through commercialization and workforce development.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

By reducing dementia prevalence, we can save billions in healthcare costs and productivity losses, while empowering older adults to remain active contributors to society. The global longevity economy is already a $45 trillion market. Its potential will only grow with investments in brain health.

Baycrest is working tirelessly towards our vision of a world where every older person lives a life of purpose, fulfilment and dignity. In addition to improving lives, we are strengthening the economic foundation for aging societies worldwide. But we need your support. Investing in brain health innovation is an investment in our collective future.

To learn more, get involved or donate, visit baycrest.org.