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.
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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.

04/19/2026

Growing evidence suggests that cancer and neurodegenerative diseases share genes and biological pathways.

Multiple studies have found that people with Alzheimer’s have a significantly lower risk of developing cancer, and cancer survivors have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

A large meta-analysis reported that:
* Individuals with Alzheimer’s were about 47% less likely to develop cancer
* Cancer patients were about 39% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s

Other population studies have shown similar magnitudes:
* ~35–37% lower risk of Alzheimer’s in people with cancer
* ~42–50% lower risk of cancer in those with Alzheimer’s

This inverse association has been observed repeatedly across large cohorts and long-term studies and is considered robust, though not fully understood biologically.

This unusual pattern for cancer is similar to that seen in Parkinson’s disease.

The inverse relationship between cancer and Alzheimer’s has been reported in major peer-reviewed journals, including BMJ, Neurology, and JAMA Network Open, and has been confirmed by large cohort studies and meta-analyses.

Want to watch the full Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds session with Dr. Lori Bernstein?
�💬Check the comments for the link to access this session and more highlights from the Women's Brain Health Summit.

04/16/2026

Viewing old age as a problem rather than an opportunity reinforces outdated stereotypes of older adults as frail, declining, and disengaged.

This mindset drives policies and products focused on managing decline instead of enabling continued purpose and participation. In reality, as people live longer and healthier lives, they represent a powerful and growing force for economic, social, and intellectual contribution.

Reframing aging as an opportunity means recognizing longevity as a new life stage to be designed rather than a problem to be solved.

Reframing old age as an opportunity starts with how people think, plan, and act long before they get there. A few shifts make a real difference:

1. Redefine what “aging” means�Move away from the idea of decline and toward growth. Later life can be a time for reinvention, learning, and contribution, not withdrawal.

2. Plan for purpose, not just retirement�Financial planning is only part of the equation. Think about how you will stay engaged: work, volunteering, mentoring, creative pursuits, or new ventures.

3. Invest in relationships�Social connection is one of the strongest predictors of well-being. Actively build and refresh your “social portfolio” over time.

4. Stay curious and keep learning�New skills, ideas, and experiences help maintain cognitive vitality and create a sense of momentum and relevance.

5. Design your environment for longevity�Choose where and how you live with intention: access to community, mobility, and opportunities for daily engagement matter more than ever.

6. Prioritize health as an enabler�Healthy habits are not just about prevention; they support independence, energy, and the ability to fully participate in life.

7. Challenge ageism, starting with yourself�Language and assumptions matter. Seeing older adults as capable and valuable changes how we treat aging, both individually and collectively.

At its core, reframing aging is about recognizing that longer lives create a “third act” full of possibility, if we choose to design it that way.

04/14/2026

She watched her mother forget everything. Then she decided to speak up.

Oscar® winner Marcia Gay Harden lost her mother, Beverly, to Alzheimer’s after a decade-long battle. In Volume 22 of Mind Over Matter®, she shares the raw, beautiful truth about caregiving, loss, and why this fight matters for every family.

Also in this issue:
🧠 Lithium & brain health — the Harvard study making waves ��🧠 Cancer drugs repurposed for Alzheimer’s��🧠 A breakthrough in keeping neurons alive��🧠 Closing Canada’s women’s health gap ��🧠 The many menopauses & your brain ��🧠 Planning for your Third Act

Mind Over Matter is made possible thanks to our partner Brain Canada.

💬 Sign up for your FREE copy of our latest volume of Mind Over Matter magazine. Link in the comments or visit womensbrains.me/order

04/10/2026

In Vancouver? Join us for a luncheon reception and conversation with celebrated actress and caregiving advocate Christina Chang, known for her roles in Heated Rivalry and The Good Doctor.

In this powerful and personal conversation with Dr. Bal Pawa, Christina will share her experience caring for her mother, who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease, and how that journey transformed her into a passionate advocate for brain health and prevention.

With MC Fred Lee, WBHI President Lynn Posluns, and CIBC’s Kathy Butler, this program is made possible thanks to CIBC, Bosa Properties, NUVO, Mark Lash, The Globe and Mail, The Citrine Foundation of Canada, Jamieson Wellness, Karen Christiansen Events, and Innovate.�

TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026�11:30 AM - 2:30 PM (PDT)
STANLEY PARK PAVILION
https://bit.ly/4vmsPJU

04/07/2026

10 is the worst 👀

National Caregiver Day in Canada is a moment to recognize the millions of individuals who quietly and consistently show up for others. Family members, friends, and professional caregivers provide essential support to loved ones navigating complex health and social needs, often balancing these responsibilities alongside careers, families, and their own well-being.

Caregiving is an act of deep compassion, but it can also come with significant emotional, physical, and cognitive strain. Many caregivers experience chronic stress, disrupted sleep, social isolation, and burnout, all of which can have lasting impacts on brain health.

At Women’s Brain Health Initiative, we know that caregiving and brain health are closely connected. Women make up the majority of caregivers, and this role can influence their long-term risk for cognitive decline if support systems are not in place.

That is why we are committed to: • Raising awareness of the unique challenges caregivers face • Advancing research that reflects the realities of women’s lives • Providing evidence-based resources to support both caregivers and those they care for

Caregivers are the backbone of our healthcare system, yet too often, they remain unseen.

Today, we honour their strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication.

And we remind every caregiver: your health matters too.
 Comment *CARE* to gain access to our free resources for caregivers.

04/05/2026

Comment your answer below 👇
Think this is just a game? Think again.

Activities like this challenge your brain by engaging focus, attention, and visual processing which all important for cognitive health.

🐣How many eggs can you find? Hint: There are 9 painted Easter eggs.
Happy Easter! 🌷🐰

04/04/2026

While often associated with stage entertainment, clinical hypnosis (hypnotherapy) is a research-supported therapeutic tool for both psychological and physical conditions.

A 2024 review of meta-analyses found positive effects in 99.2% of health outcomes studied.

Evidence shows it can reduce stress, improve sleep, ease pain, and support mood. For women, it has Level 1 evidence for reducing hot flashes and is linked to better sleep and overall well-being.

Given the connection between chronic stress, poor sleep, and cognitive decline, hypnotherapy offers a practical, non-pharmacological approach to supporting brain health and modifiable risk factors.

Overall, it is considered a safe, accessible, and low-cost intervention for enhancing emotional, physical, and cognitive well-being across the lifespan.

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

04/02/2026

For something every woman experiences, menopause is still rarely talked about.
The symptoms.�The confusion.�The impact on memory, mood, sleep, and daily life.

Too often, women are left to figure it out on their own, without the information or support they deserve.

And when it comes to brain health, that silence matters.

Hormonal changes during menopause can affect how we think, feel, and function. Understanding what’s happening isn’t just validating, it’s empowering.

It’s time to bring these conversations into the open.�Because when women are informed, they are better equipped to protect their brain health.

Comment *REPLAY* to access the full Mind the Change: Menopause, Memory & Mental Clarity session featuring Dr. Wendy Wolfman and Dr. Pauline Maki plus more highlights from the Women’s Brain Health Summit.

04/01/2026

Wishing you and your family a warm and meaningful Passover.

May your table be filled with love, your home with connection, and the season with renewal and hope.

03/31/2026

When someone you love experiences a stroke or brain injury, your life changes too. You step into a role that is demanding, emotional, and often invisible.

Caregiving isn’t just about tasks. It’s navigating memory loss, personality changes, and uncertainty while holding everything together. And yet, most caregivers receive little guidance or support.

Here’s what matters: Recovery is possible. The brain can adapt and heal over time. Your role is critical. Understanding the “why” behind behaviours can reduce stress and improve outcomes. Your well-being is essential. Research shows caregiver resilience directly impacts recovery.

You don’t have to do everything alone. Ask for help. Take breaks. Lower the pressure to be perfect.
Because this isn’t just their recovery. It’s your life too.

Want to read this full article or receive your free copy of Mind Matters?

Comment *care* below and we’ll send you the link.

03/28/2026

Women’s brain health is shaped long before symptoms appear. From menarche to menopause, hormonal changes affect memory, mood, and cognition, yet these shifts are often misunderstood.

Menopause-related cognitive symptoms like brain fog are frequently misdiagnosed, delaying care and missing critical windows for dementia prevention.

At the same time, chronic stress from unmanaged health conditions accelerates cognitive decline, while real impacts on focus and productivity are dismissed. Despite this, only 1% of research funding targets female-specific conditions, leaving major gaps in understanding women’s brain health.

The result is a system where women’s brains are at risk, long before anyone is paying attention.

It’s time to stop overlooking women’s brain health.

Demand better research. Better care. Better outcomes.

Join us. Invest in women’s brain health.

03/26/2026

Perimenopause is a gradual transition, often starting in your 40s, and many women don’t recognize the signs at first.

Common symptoms include brain fog, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating as fluctuating hormones affect cognitive function.
Sleep disruptions are frequent, leading to fatigue and irritability. Mood changes, including anxiety or low mood, can appear unexpectedly.

You may also experience hot flashes, night sweats, and irregular periods, along with physical symptoms like headaches, joint aches, and low energy.

Perimenopause is not just a reproductive shift; it’s a brain transition.

As Carolyn Taylor so powerfully reminds us, these changes are real, shared, and part of a larger story so many women are navigating.

The good news: lifestyle choices like prioritizing sleep, managing stress, staying active, and seeking guidance can help you navigate this phase and protect your long-term brain health.

Comment *REPLAY* to access more highlights from Carolyn Taylor’s “Laughing Matters” session and other unforgettable moments from the Women’s Brain Health Summit.

Address

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

Website

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

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