Three scientists from the Faculty of Medicine have received grants from the British Columbia Alzheimer’s Research Award Program, created in 2013 to seek solutions to the disease and related dementias.
The award program was created by Brain Canada, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR), Genome British Columbia (Genome BC), and the Pacific Alzheimer Research Foundation (PARF), which together amassed a $7.5 million fund.
Neil Cashman
Neil Cashman, a Professor in the Division of Neurology, will receive $1.5 million to further his lab’s recent discoveries in targeting toxic A-beta oligomers for diagnostics and therapeutics.
James Johnson
James Johnson, an Associate Professor in Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, will receive $1.05 million to explore whether reduced brain insulin production underlies common forms of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Johnson and his team will test the hypothesis that insulin produced in the brain is a critical factor for the survival and function of brain cells in the context of both a genetic change that increases Alzheimer’s risk and a diet that increases Alzheimer’s risk.
Christian Naus
Christian Naus, a Professor in the Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, will receive $1.5 million to “improve the neighborhood for brain cells.” His team aims to identify unique new drugs that will not only directly target neurons but also enhance the astrocytes’ abilities to protect neurons that are vulnerable to degeneration in Alzheimer’s.
The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is a fatal, progressive and degenerative condition that destroys brain cells. Alzheimer’s accounts for 64 per cent of all dementias in Canada and in BC affects up to 70,000 people.
“The five teams that have been funded by this award represent the best researchers in this field in B.C. and their research projects hold the promise of great advances in our ability to understand and treat this devastating disease,” said Diane Finegood, President and CEO, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.