Dementia expert named chair of World Dementia Council

Ottawa, ON – Dr. Yves Joanette, scientific director of the CIHR Institute of Aging and professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal, has been named as the new chair of the World Dementia Council.

The World Dementia Council was created in 2013 following a G8 (now G7) summit on dementia commitment and 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.

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.

“It is impressive to see the will and dedication of all the members on the council,” said Dr. Joanette. “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.”