For Immediate Release
April 7, 2008

MOBILE TEST FOR BRAIN DISEASES LIKE ALZHEIMER’S

McGuinty Government Invests $10M In Cutting-Edge Brain Research

NEWS

The world’s first mobile test for brain disease like Alzheimer’s is being developed in Ontario.

The test – a portable, wireless system – will lead to faster, more accurate diagnosis of brain diseases associated with aging.

It’s being developed at the new Centre for Brain Fitness with the help of a $10-million Ontario government investment announced today.

The centre will be part of the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care – one of the top five academic health sciences centres in the world.

The funding from the province matches $10 million from private donors and builds on a previous $590,977 provincial investment in the BRAIN Project. 

Baycrest intends to partner with provincial organizations such as MaRS to market the commercial results of its research. 

QUOTES

“Our government is proud to support Baycrest and its invaluable work, which is already leading to the discovery of important new tools and approaches to treating brain diseases associated with aging. This investment is building on Ontario’s strength and international leadership in the area of health research and advanced health technologies,” said Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson. 

“Baycrest is one of North America’s leading research institutes in geriatric medicine and care. This investment demonstrates our commitment to research and innovation as a means of building a stronger, healthier Ontario – by both improving our quality of life and healthcare here at home, while producing new tools for diagnosis and treatment that we can market to the world,” said MPP for Eglinton-Lawrence, Mike Colle.

“This generous support from the Ontario government means we are one step closer to better understanding, treating and preventing the damage from brain aging that can rob our loved ones from fully enjoying a rich quality of life. Together, we are giving the world a whole new understanding -- and new hope -- about interventions and preventions, that could transform aging,” said Dr. William Reichman, Baycrest President and CEO.

QUICK FACTS

• The new Centre for Brain Fitness will be part of Baycrest’s Research Centre for Aging and the Brain, which includes the prestigious Rotman Research Institute, one of the top five brain institutes in the world.
• The global market for brain fitness is projected to reach $4 billion by 2010.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about research at Baycrest.

Learn about Alzheimer disease and other cognitive diseases.