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
How the brain heals itself after a stroke
UBC researchers identify key cells that aid in stroke recovery, paving the way for new treatments.
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Meet the newly discovered brain cell that allows you to remember objects
Discovery of ‘ovoid cells’ reshapes our understanding of how memory works, and could open the door to new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and more.
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Only seven out of 100 people worldwide receive effective treatment for mental health or substance-use disorders
A study of 57,000 people in 21 countries finds that only a small percentage receive effective treatment for mental health or substance-use disorders.
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Spinal cord injuries from mountain biking exceed hockey, other high-risk sports
New UBC research reveals the alarming number of people suffering spinal cord injuries while mountain biking.
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New research sheds light on how people with autism visually experience faces
The findings have important implications for the development of facial recognition skills that play a key role in social interactions.
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UBC researchers receive $3.4M to address brain injuries in survivors of intimate partner violence
New research aims to improve how brain injuries are diagnosed and treated in survivors of intimate partner violence.
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Unravelling the link between pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s disease
New UBC research illuminates how genetics and pesticide exposure intersect to contribute to Parkinson’s disease risk.
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New guidelines for depression care emphasize patient-centred approach
UBC researchers led an update to the world’s most widely used clinical guidelines for managing major depression.
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Young people at the centre of the toxic drug poisoning crisis
A new book by UBC’s Dr. Danya Fast traces the experiences of young people who use drugs in Vancouver amidst a public health overdose emergency.
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UBC researchers launch clinical trial exploring CBD for bipolar depression
The first-of-its-kind clinical trial will explore whether CBD can help manage acute bipolar depression alongside primary courses of treatment.
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