Mind Over Matter

Bold Science for Brain Health

In this edition, Mind Over Matter® highlights important research efforts funded by Brain Canada and our partners and donors, to tackle some of the most complex and perplexing brain health issues affecting women.

Bold Research Projects for Advancing Women’s Mental Health, which begins on page 48, describes a $3.3-million investment from Brain Canada, the Krembil Foundation, and Women’s Brain Health Initiative in three basic research projects that will lay the groundwork for future clinical studies.

One project probes how obesity and insulin levels can change the brain, and how these changes may be linked to depression and anxiety in women. A second study looks at the triggers, biomarkers, and treatments for postpartum depression, which impacts up to 20% of birthing parents and their children.

And a third study focuses on major depressive disorder – much more prevalent in women than men – and the development of a brain imaging tool to gain insights that will advance drug discovery.

Beginning on page 61, in the article Intimate Partner Violence & Brain Injury: Understanding the Hidden Consequences, readers will learn how research teams, funded through our targeted innovation grants, are studying ways to better diagnose and treat traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by intimate partner violence. A heartbreaking and common condition, TBI leads to life-changing physical, mental, and societal consequences. I urge readers to learn about some of the hidden challenges of TBI, and to discover new approaches providing promise for women and children.

Although just a sampling of the inspiring work underway to advance women’s brain health, these projects clearly illustrate Brain Canada’s commitment to research that considers sex and gender differences, while improving health for all.

Our work is made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada.

We are deeply grateful for our partnerships with the Government of Canada and Women’s Brain Health Initiative. Together, we look forward to making meaningful contributions to advancing brain health for all Canadians.

Sincerely,
Viviane Poupon, PhD
President & CEO
Brain Canada