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
Cancer chemotherapy drug reverses Alzheimer’s symptoms in mice
UBC researchers have found Axitinib can restore memory and cognitive function in mice.
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Shannon Kolind and Tamara Vanderwal awarded $100K Brain Canada grants
Drs. Kolind and Vanderwal are among 20 early-career researchers recently awarded these grants.
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Tailoring wearable technology and telehealth in treating Parkinson’s disease
A new study determines timely and accurate tremor data can improve virtual appointments.
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Majority of BC teachers report deteriorated mental health during pandemic
Four out of five teachers reported worse mental health this school year.
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Portraying life with dementia in new light and colour
A unique UBC research initiative explores what it means to live well with dementia through creative expression
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Honglin Luo and Neil Cashman awarded ALS Canada Research Program Discovery Grant
The UBC researchers will study a possible viable target for treating ALS.
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COVID-19 survey shows almost eight out of 10 adults are worried, bored, stressed, lonely or sad
Pandemic exacts continued toll on mental health—outdoor activity and social connections are helping people cope.
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UBC neuroscientist joins investigation of a mysterious new brain disease
Dr. Neil Cashman is among a national team of researchers examining a cluster of cases in New Brunswick.
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Knowing someone with COVID-19 increased men’s anxiety more than women’s
The study is the first to track the association between proximity to COVID-19 and symptoms of anxiety week-by-week and over an extended period of time.
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OCD among new mothers more prevalent than previously thought
The prevalence of OCD among new mothers peaked approximately eight weeks after delivery at nearly nine per cent.
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