​​​​Arnold Wellman, centre, has a mild form of dementia
Arnold Wellman, centre, has a mild form of dementia. Above, he dances in his wheelchair at the Dotsa Bitove Wellness Academy. (Photo: UHN)

Twelve UHN clinicians and scientists are part of the first-ever national effort to study age-related neurodegenerative diseases in a Canadian context.

The Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) comprises more than 300 clinicians and researchers from across the country and from various disciplines. It will build on the understanding of how these diseases (Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, fronto-temporal dementia, and Lewy-body dementia) develop; the impact they have on the patient and family; and how they can be prevented or the progression of the diseases delayed.

"This is the first attempt at bringing together Canadian experts from different disciplines to advance knowledge and discovery for neurodegenerative diseases," said Dr. Kathy McGilton, senior scientist, Toronto Rehab and a member of CCNA's executive committee. "This national framework will allow us to build capacity for dementia innovation, treatment and support. CCNA also facilitates a unique opportunity for us to develop a national platform to facilitate research and create opportunities for collaboration."

The following UHN clinicians and researchers are CCNA members and will provide expertise in different areas of dementia care, including: prevention, diagnosis, treatment, disease management and quality of life.

Dr. Jennifer Campos, Toronto Rehab

Dr. Angela Colantonio, Toronto Rehab

Dr. Geoff Fernie, Toronto Rehab

Dr. Lili-Naz Hazrati, Toronto General

Dr. Anthony Lang, Toronto Western

Dr. Susan Marzolini, Toronto Rehab

Dr. Kathy McGilton, Toronto Rehab

Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Toronto Rehab

Dr. Paul Oh, Toronto Rehab

Dr. Elizabeth Rochon, Toronto Rehab

Dr. Babak Taati, Toronto Rehab

Dr. David Tang-Wai, Toronto Western

Dr. Carmela Tartaglia, Toronto Western


The CCNA launched September 2014 and is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research along with 13 partners from the public and private sectors. ​

Please find more information via the media release

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