VAUGHAN, Ont. - Research into Alzheimer's disease is receiving an $8.6 million boost from the federal government.
The money will go toward 44 research projects across the country approved by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced the funding at an event Friday in Vaughan, Ont., north of Toronto. Aglukkaq said better understanding of Alzheimer's is needed in order to develop effective strategies for prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
She was joined by Julian Fantino, the new minister of state for seniors, who announced another $160,000 will go towards supporting an international Alzheimer's disease conference to be held in Toronto in March.
Debbie Benczkowski, chief executive officer of the Alzheimer Society of Canada, welcomed the announcement, noting that more than 500,000 Canadians are currently living with the memory-robbing disease.
