The month of March focuses on Brain Health Awareness, educating individuals on the importance of maintaining cognitive function and overall brain well-being throughout life.
The goal is to increase public knowledge about brain diseases and recognize the early signs, encourage preventative measures to maintain cognitive function, and advocate for research and support for individuals affected by neurological conditions.
In Canada, the most common brain health issues include:
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: As of January 1, 2025, approximately 771,000 people in Canada live with dementia. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are the leading causes of cognitive decline amongst older adults. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, impacting memory, thinking and behaviour. Researchers project that by 2030, nearly 1 million Canadians will be living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As frightening as this data may be, there is hope for changing the future. A 2020 report of the Lancet Commission found that there are 12 changeable risk factors that can prevent 40% of dementia cases worldwide.
Strokes: Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is disrupted and can lead to cognitive and physical impairments. Approximately 878,500 Canadian adults aged 20+ have experienced a stroke, with the stroke risk increasing rapidly after the age of 55. High blood pressure is the strongest risk factor for a stroke, but the risks can be reduced by eating a healthy diet, keeping physically active and quitting smoking.
Mental Health Challenges: Conditions such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder significantly impact brain functionality and overall well-being. In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental illness, with young people aged 15 to 24 having the highest prevalence to experience mental illness compared to any other age group.
Other common brain health issues amongst Canadians include: traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Partner Highlights
Many partners of the Central West Ontario Health Team (CW OHT) offer supports for individuals facing common brain health related issues:
CANES Community Care
Caregiver Support and Counselling
CANES Community Care offers private support sessions to seniors and/or caregivers focused on sharing and problem-solving, led by a counselor. The counselor will meet with the client either in their home or a designated area. After the initial contact, the counselor may provide short-term or long-term supports.
CANES also offers one-on-one case management services provided to isolated and vulnerable at-risk seniors, both short and long-term.
These counselling services are offered to seniors 55 years and older, family members and/or others caring for a senior living in the Etobicoke, Woodbridge, Malton and Brampton areas.
To learn more, please click here.
Personal Care Support
CANES Community Centre also offers seniors with a caregiver that works specifically with a client, with more personal forms of care such as bathing and hygiene care. Trained Personal Support Workers assist with tasks of daily living, including mealtime assistance and personal stimulation.
Personal Care support is offered to any senior 65 years and older living in Etobicoke, Brampton, Malton or Woodbridge areas.
To learn more, please click here.
Central Brampton Family Health Team
Seniors’ Wellness Program
The multidisciplinary geriatric team at Central Brampton Family Health Team works together with patients to fully optimize their health, striving to help our aging older patients live the highest quality and independent life.
To learn more, please click here.
ESS Support Service
Adult Day Program
The Adult Day Program offers support to older adults and seniors who have cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s and dementia and are physically frail.
The program provides a supportive environment with social, therapeutic and recreational activities, along with gentle physical and mental exercise to stimulate and engage the individuals attending the program.
The program is designed for older adults who are social isolated and vulnerable with physical impairments, living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, or recovering from a stroke.
To learn more, please click here.
Peel Senior Link:
Peel Senior Link provides a full range of non-medical services in seniors home without taking away their dignity and independence. They are offered 7 days a week, 365 days a year by trained personal support workers.
Services offered include hygiene care, dressing/undressing, meal preparation, medication reminders and management and access to 24-hour emergency response.
To learn more, please click here.
Punjabi Community Health Services
The behavioural Support Ontario (BSO) program caters to the needs of caregivers of older adults (55+) with cognitive impairments due to dementia, addictions, or other neurological conditions. The BSO program is a collaboration between Punjabi Community Health Services and Indus Community Services. The objective of this program is to prevent hospitalizations by providing sustainable education through formal and informal means; conducting assessments and providing recommendations to support a senior’s quality of life and minimize risk. They facilitate linkages between agencies that provide healthcare, community and social services for seniors in their communities for capacity development.
To learn more, please click here.
William Osler Health System
At William Osler Health System, there are a multitude of services that can aid in diagnosing, treating, and providing support to cognitive-related symptoms and disorders.
Mental Health Supports
William Osler provides sensitive and compassionate care for children, adolescents, and adults facing mental health challenges.
To learn more, please click here.
Neurological Supports
William Osler’s neurological team specializes in treating acute neurological disease processes and trauma. This includes stroke, transient ischemic attacks, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury and cancer.
To learn more, please click here.
This Brain Health Awareness Month, let’s utilize the knowledge and insights gained to prioritize cognitive well-being every day. By staying informed, adopting healthy lifestyle choices, and supporting those affected by neurological conditions, we can make a lasting impact on our communities. The CW OHT strives to break the stigma surrounded by these conditions and advocate for research and resources that support brain health for all.
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