Women's Brain Health Initiative

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Women's Brain Health Initiative

Raising funds for research and education to combat women's brain aging diseases. Because our grey matter, matters.

Women’s Brain Health Initiative (WBHI) helps protect women’s brain health by focusing its resources on research to combat brain-aging disorders that disproportionately affect women, and by creating compelling preventative health education programs, grounded in science, so there is a greater understanding by the public of the best ways to prolong their cognitive vitality. Our Six Pillars of Brain Health are the most important lifestyle choices that protect your brain health as you age.

12/23/2025

New research suggests people with osteoporosis may face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, especially women.

Large long-term studies show that adults with lower bone density are significantly more likely to develop dementia, and machine-learning data revealed that osteoporosis predicted future Alzheimer’s in women but not men.

Scientists now believe the link is biological, not just age-related: bone cells release proteins and hormones, especially sclerostin, that may influence brain aging and even promote Alzheimer’s changes like beta-amyloid buildup.

Because some osteoporosis drugs block sclerostin, researchers are investigating whether these medications could one day reduce or delay Alzheimer’s risk. Overall, bone health may be a meaningful early indicator of Alzheimer’s risk, particularly in women.

Comment *MOM* and we’ll send you the link to read the full article.

12/20/2025

A HISTORIC FIRST: THE INAUGURAL WOMEN’S BRAIN HEALTH SUMMIT.

On December 1–2, WBHI hosted the sold-out, first-ever Women’s Brain Health Summit, presented by RBC Wealth Management, with over 500 attendees, 78 tables, and a record-setting 600-person waitlist.

Our honorary co-chairs, Sandi & Jim Treliving, helped welcome a star-studded lineup, including: Geena Davis, Marcia Gay Harden, Emma Heming Willis, Lisa Genova, Dr. Gillian Einstein, Dr. Wendy Wolfman, Pauline Maki, Liisa Galea, Dr. Samir Sinha, and many more.

Moderated conversations led by Jeanne Beker, Cheryl Hickey, Lisa LaFlamme, Dr. M. Natasha Rajah, Ph.D., Dr. Marla Shapiro C.M. and Dr. Vivien Brown MDCM, CCFP, FCFP, MSCP.
Expertly emceed by WBHI ambassador Pattie Lovett-Reid.

Groundbreaking discussions on menopause, research innovation, prevention, caregiving, and healthy aging ignited a national conversation and, most importantly, sparked action. Thank you for helping make history for women’s brain health.

Comment *REPLAY* and we’ll send you the link to join the waitlist for access to recorded sessions, event highlights, and key takeaways.

12/18/2025

Brain fog isn’t “all in your head.”
 Research indicates that chronic gut inflammation can impact memory, focus, and mental clarity through the gut–brain axis.

Supporting gut health is a crucial way to promote lifelong cognitive vitality, particularly for women, who are disproportionately affected by inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Do you have the guts to keep your brain healthy?

12/16/2025

The holidays can be joyful, but for caregivers, they can also feel overwhelming. Amid the celebrations, remember that your well-being matters too.

• Simplify expectations. It’s okay to scale back traditions or say no to what feels like too much.
 • Ask for help. Accepting support from family or friends is not a weakness; it’s essential.
 • Protect moments of rest. Even short breaks can help recharge your energy and patience.
 • Stay flexible. Routines may shift, and that’s okay. Focus on what truly matters.
 • Be kind to yourself. You are doing the best you can, and that is enough.

To all caregivers navigating this season, you are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated.

Comment *holiday* and we’ll send you our free guide: Tips for Caregivers During the Holidays.

12/14/2025

Happy Chanukah to all who are celebrating.

Mark this Festival of Lights season with moments of reflection, resilience, and hope. The light kindled reminds us that even a small flame can illuminate the way forward, and of the power of knowledge, community, and perseverance to brighten even the darkest days.

12/11/2025

At the recent Women’s Brain Health Summit, we convened leading scientists, clinicians, advocates, caregivers, and cultural influencers for a highly engaging public event designed to support prevention, resilience, and cognitive vitality throughout life.

More than 500 attendees gathered, including healthcare professionals, caregivers, researchers, students, policy leaders, philanthropists, and individuals personally invested in preventing cognitive decline and maintaining memory health. Topics will explore the connections between brain aging, menopause, heart and vascular health, mental well-being, caregiving, lifestyle choices, and the prevention of chronic diseases.  
A star-studded lineup included Marcia Gay Harden, Geena Davis, Emma Heming Willis, Dr. Lisa Genova, Dr. Gillian Einstein, Dr. Wendy Wolfman, Dr. Pauline Maki, Dr. Liisa Galea, Dr. Samir Sinha, Carolyn Taylor, Chilina Kennedy, and many more.

Moderated conversations were led by Jeanne Beker, Cheryl Hickey, Lisa LaFlamme, Dr. Vivien Brown, and Dr. Natasha Rajah.

The Summit was expertly emceed by WBHI ambassador Pattie Lovett-Reid.

Comment *REPLAY* and we’ll send you the link to join the list for access to recorded sessions, event highlights, and key takeaways.

The Women’s Brain Health Summit was made possible thanks to the generous support of: RBC Wealth Management, Sandi and Jim Treliving, Canada Life, Northbridge Insurance, Libby and Michael Gold, Lilly, Indigo, Four Seasons Toronto, AON, CIBC, The Chesterfield Shop, DAVIES, Eisai, Rachel and Glenn Farber, Goodmans LLP, Home Equity Bank, NUVO, PwC, Mark Lash, Lynn Posluns and Ken Crystal, RBC Insurance, Stemz, The Citrine Foundation of Canada, Shark Ninja, Hangar9, Detailz, Parkview Manor, Brain Canada Foundation, CIHR, Ontario Brain Institute, Jamieson Wellness Inc., Innovate X, Purdys, Nud Fud, and The Globe and Mail.

12/09/2025

Women’s immune systems tend to respond more vigorously to infections and vaccines than men’s. This means they often fight off viruses and bacteria more quickly, and they may also develop stronger protection after vaccinations.

However, that same heightened immune activity has a downside. A more reactive immune system is also more likely to over-respond or mistake the body’s own cells as threats.

When this happens, it can trigger autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks healthy tissues. This is why conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis occur much more often in women.

Women need research that better meets their unique needs, and Women’s Brain Health Initiative (WBHI) is one of the leading organizations working to close the gap.

12/06/2025

A large natural experiment in Wales found that the Zostavax shingles vaccine may reduce the risk of dementia by about 20%.

Because vaccine eligibility was based strictly on birthdate, researchers were able to compare two nearly identical groups—one eligible for Zostavax and one not, and track them over seven years. The only meaningful difference between the groups was vaccination status.

Those who received Zostavax were significantly less likely to develop dementia, with the effect stronger in women, who also experience higher rates of Alzheimer’s and typically mount stronger immune responses to live vaccines.

Although the biological mechanism is still unclear, the study reinforces longstanding evidence linking herpesvirus activity to neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s pathology.

Researchers hope these findings will guide future work toward developing effective vaccines for dementia prevention.

Comment *MOM* and we’ll send you the link to read the full article, which appeared in the latest edition of Mind Over Matter magazine.

12/04/2025

In 2025, a major study published in Nature Medicine confirmed that women are about twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s disease, even after accounting for the fact that women live longer.

This means the disparity isn’t just about aging. It’s biological, hormonal, and structural, and it puts women at a uniquely elevated risk.

The research shows:
* Age alone doesn’t explain it. Even when data are adjusted for longevity, women still face nearly double the risk.
* Brain aging patterns don’t explain it. Men typically show more age-related brain shrinkage, yet women remain more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s.
* Scientists are still searching for the cause. Likely contributors include:
* s*x-specific genetics involving the X chromosome,
* hormonal changes, especially the loss of estrogen during menopause, and
* immune and inflammatory differences between women and men.

Bottom line: The elevated risk is rooted in biology, not just lifespan, pointing to an urgent need for s*x-specific research, prevention, and care for women.

Current breakthroughs include studies on: • the role of estrogen and menopause timing, • s*x differences in immune response, • female-specific genetic pathways, and • personalized prevention strategies for women.

The more we understand women’s brains, the better we can protect them. Until there is a cure, there is prevention. Up to 45% of cases can be avoided by making small changes to your lifestyle.
 Your awareness and your advocacy help push this research forward. Share with someone you know.

12/02/2025

Today’s the day!

The inaugural Women’s Brain Health Summit has officially begun, and with it, a movement fueled by science, storytelling, and the shared goal of a healthier future for women everywhere.

We’re proud to kick things off with an important video, narrated by WBHI Ambassador and Summit MC Pattie Lovett-Reid, setting the tone for two days of bold conversations and transformative insight.

And today, December 2nd, isn’t just any day. It’s Women’s Brain Health Day, a day marked on the national health calendar to shine a spotlight on the fact that many severe brain health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, stress, anxiety, and depression, occur more frequently in women.

To date, Women’s Brain Health Day events have helped us raise over $4.5 million for research and education that better meet the unique needs of women. But we’ve only begun to scratch the surface. Every donation helps fund the research, the education, and the resources that protect women’s cognitive vitality for generations to come. 
💜Donate today via link in bio or comment *donate* and we will send you the link directly.

Because protecting her brain means protecting us all.

Address

30 St. Clair Avenue W, Suite 900
Toronto, ON
M4V3A1

Website

http://wbhi.org/, http://twitter.com/womensbrains

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