HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS, AND OTHER PEOPLE'S DONATIONS, HAVE HELPED?
I started looking at the brain in 2000, and since then our understanding has advanced dramatically. We understand much more about brain cellular chemistry and plasticity, how it changes and how sometimes it can even heal itself. Despite these advances we have only just scratched the surface. Before we can develop therapies for people suffering from these terrible conditions much more needs to be discovered.
FOR ALL THE SUCCESSES THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN A LOT OF FAILURES. WHAT CAN WE TAKE FROM THAT?
It is true – for example, a disease such as Alzheimer's has had many clinical trial failures – however, failure is part of learning and with each failure we learn a little bit more about what is happening in the brain. The Foundation focuses on basic research in hopes of discovering fundamental biological building blocks that can be used to develop therapies.
TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE ARE RAPIDLY CONVERGING. HOW WILL THAT IMPACT BRAIN RESEARCH?
The brain consists of trillions of connections, and while traditional scientific research has helped us start to understand the brain better, researchers need new tools and techniques to ensure their progress continues. This is where technology comes in. Informatics and artificial intelligence are exciting new technologies that are starting to help researchers interpret the brain and advance our understanding of how it works.
HOW HAS MEDICAL-RELATED PHILANTHROPY CHANGED?
Traditionally, philanthropy helped researchers by adding to the infrastructure that supported scientific projects and recruitment, such as institutional bricks and mortar gifts and scientific equipment. While this kind of support still plays an important role, what is lacking is increased funding for basic scientific inquiry at all levels, from the multi-million dollar team projects to the single researcher-driven basic projects.
WHAT DO YOU SAY TO YOUR PEERS WHO MIGHT NOT BE GIVING BACK?
This is a difficult question, as I prefer to lead by example rather than tell others what to do. I believe in helping people and would encourage others to do the same. We have chosen to help others by partnering with researchers in their quest to understand the human brain with the goal and hope that this information will lead to new solutions and therapies for those suffering brain disease. When it comes to giving, I would encourage others to follow their passion.
DONATING BRAINS TO RESEARCH
On the research side, the Canadian Concussion Centre recently made headlines after it received commitments from four female athletes – Olympic skier Kerrin Lee-Gartner, hockey legends Cassie Campbell-Pascall and Fran Rider, and rugby star Jen Kish – to receive their brains after they pass away. This is a coup, because, so far, the Centre has only received brains from male athletes. Since concussion symptoms can be worse in women, and last longer, than in men, doctors need the brains of female athletes to fully understand the damage concussions can do, says Dr. Tator. Ideally, by studying the brains of deceased athletes, and monitoring the health of still-living ones – the Centre is doing regular tests on more than 100 Canadian Football League alumni – doctors will be able to help people prevent brain damage before it's too late.
