A Nipissing University-led research project on rare dementia support has received nearly $750,000 in funding over three years.
The grant is from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Aging and a few partners.
The project, which looks to localize and expand Canada’s Rare Dementia Support (RDS) model, is led by Nipissing’s Dr. Mary Pat Sullivan and Dr. Veronika Williams.
“We are deeply grateful for the support from CIHR and our partners,” says Dr. Sullivan. “This grant enables us to continue our crucial work in understanding and enhancing the support systems for individuals and families affected by rare dementias. Our goal is to create a more inclusive and effective network of support that meets the unique needs of these communities across Canada. We are committed to making a lasting impact on dementia care and support.”
The research team also includes Jeff Thornborrow from Nipissing and officials from University College London, the University of Oxford, both in the UK and York University in Toronto.
Officials say Dr. Sullivan’s recent five-year study with colleagues in the UK demonstrated the benefits of multi-component support, including access to specialist information, individual and group peer support, and continuous learning opportunities to better understand diverse lived experiences and improve access to high quality support and care.
They add the initial study’s findings led to the creation of Rare Dementia Support (RDS) Canada, funded by the Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation and delivered in partnership with RDS in the UK.
RDS Canada offers tailored support for individuals and families affected by rare dementias, complementing traditional dementia care services.
