First Chair in New Saskatchewan Research Chair Program Announced

SASKATOON, Sept. 29 /CNW/ - As Canada's aging population faces the ever-increasing threat of dementia, a new $1 million research chair aims to create a world without Alzheimer's and related dementia. The partnership between the Saskatchewan Research Health Foundation (SHRF) and the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan is the first in a series of 10 potential Saskatchewan Research Chairs administered by SHRF.

"The purpose of the Saskatchewan Research Chair in Alzheimer's disease and Related Dementia Chair is to recruit and retain an expert in the area of Alzheimer research," said June Bold , SHRF's CEO. "That is a huge health issue for the province of Saskatchewan. It also aligns with a priority area in the provincial health research strategy."

Joanne Bracken , CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, views the partnership as a tremendous opportunity to fulfil the missions of the Alzheimer Society and SHRF. She is optimistic that the Chair's research will help unlock the secrets of Canada's second most feared disease - an epidemic that threatens to overwhelm the healthcare system.

"Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. This research grant focuses on finding a cause and a cure," said Bracken. "In 2011, Baby Boomers start turning 65 and as a result, the number of people with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double within the next 25 years. In Canada alone, those numbers could skyrocket to 1.3 million."

Bracken is optimistic that a breakthrough will come through research. The commitment to this Chair represents the most significant research partnership the Alzheimer Society has had in Saskatchewan. The Society is already a principal funder of Alzheimer research and training. Building on significant research and clinical trials now underway, the dramatic increases in funding could be the final catalyst to finding a cure.

Launched in 2008, SHRF's Saskatchewan Research Chair Program aims to support the work of current health researchers and attract top talent from elsewhere to help build capacity in areas where Saskatchewan has specific needs and strengths. Researchers are invited to apply for this chair by contacting SHRF or accessing the application at www.shrf.ca.

About SHRF

The Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (www.shrf.ca) is the provincial agency that funds and facilitates health research in Saskatchewan. SHRF works in partnership with other organizations locally, provincially, and nationally to foster world-leading research. It is the lead agency for the province's Health Research Strategy. SHRF offers competitive funding programs for researchers and works to promote and disseminate the resulting knowledge for the benefit of Saskatchewan people.

About Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan

The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan (www.alzheimer.sk.ca) is a charitable organization that provides support, education, and information, advocates for the best care possible for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, and supports research efforts into finding the cause and cure of Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer Society is a principal funder of Alzheimer research and a prominent advocate for people living with the disease, their families and caregivers. The Society depends on donations from the public and volunteers to support its programs and services. All of its services are provided free of charge for people with dementia and their families.

For further information: Michael Robin, Communications Manager, SHRF, [phone]; Donna Bowler, Communications Manager, Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, [phone], On Sept. 29 & 30: [phone]