The Slaight Family Foundation Dementia Initiative

In Fall 2024, The Slaight Family Foundation announced a a $30 million donation to support seven Canadian organizations in enhancing dementia prevention, compassionate care and research.

This investment comes at a critical time, as researchers project that by 2030 nearly 1 million people in Canada will be living with dementia.

The Slaight Family Foundation Dementia Initiative will promote more inclusive care, strengthen community support networks, improve public awareness and encourage bold action.

The Slaight Family Foundation Dementia Initiative recipients include: Alzheimer Society of Canada, Baycrest, Belmont House, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Egale, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, The National Institute on Ageing.

Challenging Dementia Stigma Through Dance: Screening & Discussion of "Dancer Not Dementia"

A screening of the documentary "Dancer Not Dementia: A Short Film", followed by a Q&A moderated by NIA's Dr. Madison Brydges featuring researchers Dr. Pia Kontos from the KITE Research Institute, University Health Network and Dr. Rachel Bar from Canada’s National Ballet School. This film showcases the transformative power of dance to bring joy, creativity, and social connectedness to the lives of dancers living with dementia.

Reducing Your Risk of Dementia: Evidence-Based Advice for Canadians of All Ages and Health Professionals

Featuring Dr. Samir Sinha (NIA) and Dr. Serge Gauthier (McGill University), this session shared the latest dementia research, practical strategies for reducing risk at every life stage, and actionable insights for healthcare providers.

Defy Dementia – The podcast for anyone with a brain, by Baycrest

Defy Dementia is an empowering new podcast by Baycrest that is dedicated to helping you reduce your dementia risk. Join us on a captivating exploration of key dementia risk factors as we interview experts, hear inspiring stories from persons with lived experience, and share practical advice to help you optimize your aging journey. Tune in and subscribe at defydementia.org or anywhere you get your podcasts, and unlock the power to age fearlessly and defy dementia.

Each episode will be complemented by a short video, infographic, and related resources to help you take control of your brain health.

Defy Dementia is hosted by Jay Ingram (Canadian author and broadcaster) and Dr. Allison Sekuler (President and Chief Scientist, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation). This program is generously supported by the Slaight Family Foundation.

BELMONT HOUSE FOUNDATION

Belmont House is a charitable, non-profit Christian home for seniors, offering long-term care and retirement living.

We provide resident-focused restorative, supportive, and palliative care. Using a multidisciplinary team approach, we work with residents and/or their family members to identify needs and develop individualized care plans.

For retirement living, Belmont House offers luxurious accommodations, exceptional care, and unmatched one-on-one service.

For more information, visit belmonthouse.com.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a world leading research centre in this field. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health promotion to help transform the lives of people affected by mental illness and addiction. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto and is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre.

Egale Canada

Egale is Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQI people and issues. We improve and save lives through research, education, awareness, and by advocating for human rights and equality in Canada and around the world. Our work helps create societies and systems that reflect the universal truth that all persons are equal and none is other.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is inventing the future of health care for the 1.3 million patients the hospital cares for each year through the dedication of its more than 10,000 staff and volunteers. An internationally recognized leader in research and education and a full affiliation with the University of Toronto distinguishes Sunnybrook as one of Canada's premier academic health sciences centres. Sunnybrook specializes in caring for high-risk pregnancies, critically-ill newborns and adults, offering specialized rehabilitation and treating and preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological and psychiatric disorders, orthopaedic and arthritic conditions and traumatic injuries. The hospital also has a unique and national leading program for the care of Canada's war veterans.