Canada stands at a critical moment. Our population is aging rapidly, and the number of Canadians living with dementia is expected to more than double by 2050 - impacting every aspect of our lives, from stressed out families, to a diminished workforce, to health systems pushed to the brink.

At Baycrest, we don't believe that future has to be our fate. We believe we can defy dementia and create a new world of precision aging. Baycrest is transforming how the world understands and supports brain health by advancing discovery, training future leaders, and driving innovation so that every person can age with purpose, fulfilment, and dignity.

Driving national transformation

Baycrest is home to a remarkable community of scientists, clinicians, trainees, innovators, and end-users who are expanding what's possible in brain health. Together, we're advancing predictive neuroscience, open science, and real-world applications that strengthen health systems and improve lives today and for generations ahead.

In 2025, we welcomed Dr. Lei Wang from the U.S. as our inaugural Vice President of Scientific Affairs. A global leader in neuroimaging and computational neuroscience, Dr. Wang is accelerating innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence across Baycrest and in collaboration with our partners. His work deepens our focus on predictive neuroscience for precision aging - from prevention, through detection, treatment, and care - recognizing that the brain ages in connection with the body, environment, and community.

Empowering people to protect their brain health

Up to half of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes. That knowledge drives many of our initiatives at Baycrest, as we aim to shift national standards toward prevention and lifelong brain health.

The Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and Wellness is the world's first research-based community centre for dementia prevention. Its personalized lifestyle programs have shown measurable cognitive improvements within six months.

Defy Dementia™, our acclaimed podcast and public engagement initiative, empowers people with practical strategies to protect their brain health.

AI-enabled tools and digital biomarkers such as eye-tracking and virtual assessments are helping detect changes earlier, supporting timely intervention and care.

From discovery to real-world impact

Our goal is to turn Canadian-made discoveries into real-world impact that strengthens our brain health economy and improves lives.

Innovations like HippoCamera, a smartphone app that mimics the brain's hippocampus, helping users recording short audio-video clips of daily moments to boost memory recall, are being scaled across Canada to support memory and independence. Online resources such as the Canadian Caregiver Assessment and Resource Tool (C-CART) offer personalized support for caregivers, while the Virtual Trigger Room helps long-term care and community staff manage responsive behaviours in people living with dementia. Our proprietary Goal Management Training™ program delivers therapist-guided treatment for cognitive changes linked to mental health.

Training Canada's future brain health workforce

Baycrest provides professional learning that brings together students, trainees, and professionals to advance care and research as well as innovation in aging and brain health. Programs include clinical placements and research mentorship along with continuing education and simulation-based training. Each year these initiatives help tens of thousands of learners build the skills needed to meet the needs of an aging population.

Our simulation-based education model, which includes one of the world's only older-adult simulated participant programs, sets a global standard for dementia education. Programs such as Prep LTC placements, our innovative gamified LIPHA training platform, and hosting Canadian Institutes of Health Research's 2025 Summer Program in Aging - blending foundational science, clinical care, and innovation - help address critical gaps in healthcare and are transforming training and capacity across Canada.

A healthier future is possible

Canada can lead the world in brain health, protecting quality of life, reducing healthcare costs, and unlocking the full potential of our aging population. Investing in predictive neuroscience and precision aging today will build Canada's brain economy - a better future where all Canadians live not only longer, but better.

Investing in aging and brain health, we can create a world where every person thrives.

Learn more or get involved at www.baycrest.org.