Nipissing University says a $5 million donation is supporting the national expansion of dementia research, support services, and education.
What officials say is a ‘transformational’ gift from the Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation is also helping to establish a dedicated space to house Rare Dementia Support (RDS) Canada, which is committed to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by rare and young-onset dementias.
“This generous gift enables RDS Canada to continue to push the boundaries of dementia research and support in Canada – expanding access to information and services, deepening our work with individuals and families affected by dementias, and fostering new approaches to address the unique challenges of rare dementia,” says Dr. Mary Pat Sullivan, Principal Lead of RDS Canada and Professor of Social Work at Nipissing University. “By providing a specialized support community and tailored services for individuals and families with differing support needs, RDS Canada aims to fill a unique gap in dementia support nationwide.”
Established in 2021, RDS Canada was built on the foundation of a multi-component support model developed by Dr. Sullivan.
The university says her work has already strengthened national support systems and connected individuals across the country through the creation of online communities of support.
“Community-based research and care are essential to our health-care system,” says Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor of Nipissing University. “When supports are informed by research and rooted in lived experience, we create opportunities for shared understanding, connection, and hope.”
To learn more, visit: raredementiasupport.ca
