Since the 1950’s, UBC has been the site of groundbreaking discoveries in understanding, diagnosing and treating a number of brain disorders and diseases. It is also home to Canada’s largest integrated research and treatment facility – the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health.
Today, more than 500 researchers continue to be at the forefront of brain research, pioneering their work around mental health and addictions, dementia, and movement disorders.
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Discoveries
- 2017: Controversial treatment for MS found to be ineffective
- 2017: Link between vitamin A and Alzheimer’s disease
- 2017: Scientists create mouse that resists addiction
- 2016: Antibiotic restores brain cell communication damaged by Alzheimer’s
- 2015: Regular exercise can reduce risk of dementia
- 2012: Gene linked to Parkinson’s disease found
Key Research Groups
- BC Centre on Substance Use
- Brain, Behaviour & Development
- Centre for Research on Personhood in Dementia
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
- Dynamic Brain Circuits and Connections in Health and Disease cluster
- Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program
- Institute of Mental Health
- Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre
Spotlight
‘Landmark’ study projects 187% increase in people living with dementia in Canada by 2050
New report stresses need to work collaboratively toward equity, diversity and inclusion in dementia research, prevention and care.
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‘Smart glove’ can boost hand mobility of stroke patients
A new washable wireless smart textile developed at UBC aims to improve patient rehabilitation following a stroke.
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New process for screening old urine samples reveals previously undetected ‘designer drugs’
UBC researchers have developed a more efficient way of identifying designer drugs circulating in the community.
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Genetic testing could greatly benefit patients with depression, save health system millions
Pharmacogenomic testing aims to match patients with medications that are more likely to be effective based on an individual’s genetic profile.
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Why neurons die from brain injury, and how we could save them
New UBC research sheds light on what causes brain cells to die following stroke and traumatic brain injury.
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New Canadian guideline for treating high-risk drinking, alcohol use disorder
UBC researchers at the BC Centre on Substance Use helped develop the first-ever Canadian guidelines for alcohol use disorder.
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Depression, anxiety may be among early signs of MS
New UBC research is shedding light on the early stages of MS and could one day support earlier detection and possible intervention.
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Closing the gap in Alzheimer’s research
UBC researchers are working to increase Asian representation in Alzheimer’s research, improving disease prevention, diagnosis and care.
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Baby’s brain development may be linked to their gut bacteria
New UBC research showed that certain microbes were associated with performance in tests of early cognitive development.
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Modern antidepressants may reduce risk of relapse for patients with bipolar depression
UBC researchers led an international clinical trial that promises to change how bipolar depression is managed globally.
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