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
UBC and Interior Health research explores use of virtual reality in stroke rehabilitation
Researchers and staff will examine the effects of a VR gaming program on mood and activity levels.
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One in two homeless people may have experienced a head injury in their lifetime
Almost one in four may have experienced a head injury that is moderate or severe.
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Cannabis could help alleviate depression and suicidality among people with PTSD
New research suggests cannabis may be helping Canadians cope with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Patients with mood, anxiety disorders share abnormalities in brain’s control circuit
The regions of the brain are involved in emotional and cognitive control.
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Sophia Frangou appointed UBC President’s Excellence Chair in Brain Health
Her research focuses on uncovering pathophysiological processes underlying psychosis, with emphasis on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
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Scientists find possible prenatal origin for Alzheimer disease
Newly discovered gene function may reduce cell death in Alzheimer disease and Down syndrome, according to research led by Weihong Song.
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Science says when kids participate in team-based extracurricular activities, they have better mental health
Extracurricular activities that nurture a sense of belonging with peers appear to bolster preteen’s mental health.
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Anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum more prevalent than previously thought
Nichole Fairbrother discusses perinatal and postpartum anxiety, and why there is a need for improved screening.
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Scientists edge closer to root causes of multiple sclerosis
Researchers led by Carles Vilariño-Güell found mutations in 12 genes believed to be largely responsible for the onset of MS.
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Microglial ‘fingers’ probe dense brain structures in health and disease
New UBC research expands our understanding of the brain’s immune cells.
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