The Brainwell Institute

08/27/2026

Kate Swaffer, an Australian advocate, living with dementia, once explained her experience at diagnosis.

She was immediately left out of the conversation, as her partner was deemed the person with capacity to understand.

When discussing what comes next, the doctor diagnosing her told her to get her affairs in order and prepare for end of life.

This is unacceptable, but unfortunately it is common.

There is still widespread misunderstanding of dementia that leads to these experiences.

Have you had a similar experience? 💬👇

The Hart of it All Podcast 💜

08/24/2026

Once a person is diagnosed with a form of dementia, they have an average prognosis of 8 to 10 years.

Should they be sent home with no resources, and the idea that there is nothing to do about it?

Absolutely not.

We know there is so much we can do to slow progression, to lower impact, and to live well with dementia.

The Hart of it All Podcast

08/18/2026

If unpaid caregivers stopped providing the care they give, the healthcare system simply could not pick it up.

The Hart of it All Podcast

08/17/2026

Dementia can have a way of covering up the person living with it.

But, it's so important to remember that the person and all of their life experiences still remain behind those symptoms.

When we let the cover lead our actions, we stop honoring the dignity and personhood of the person we care for.

07/29/2026

Why is it that a dementia diagnosis often brings more confusion than answers?

Because there is not a clear pathway forward. Oftentimes, families are left to figure out where to go, or what to do next entirely on their own.

It is unacceptable, and it's the reason Brainwell exists. We are dedicated to transforming this experience so that anyone is able to access a diagnosis, and be guided through the next steps with ease and expertise.

07/14/2026

It may be controversial to some, but the reality is this:

Dementia is where Cancer was.

Cancer was stigmatized, people didn't want to admit they had a diagnosis, and treatments were not what they are today.

If we can dismantle the stigma around dementia, we just might be able to move the needle all the way forward.

What do you think? 💬

Unison for Generations 50+

07/02/2026

06/18/2026

Adam Morrison of Alzheimer Society of Ontario brilliantly broke down the Ontario Dementia Task Force mission and first steps on CP24 Breakfast this week.

While Ontario is legislating consultation for better dementia care, we are stepping up and providing expertise that can be used to create a successful, coordinated model of care for dementia that lends from Cancer and Stroke care, palliative, and even pregnancy care.

We are excited and determined, and have only just begun.

This kind of momentum and public support is vital to our success, so follow along and keep sharing your thoughts.

06/16/2026

Ontario spends 30 Billion dollars annually on dementia care.

So why does it feel like there is no support?

Because accessing care is like navigating another condition on top of dementia.

Families aren't getting specific diagnoses, early rehabilitative therapies, early drug treatments, specific information about their specific form of dementia.

Caregivers are left to patch together small pieces of care, and figure everything out on their own.

The Ontario Dementia Task Force is determined to change that experience.

Caregivers and those living wirh dementia deserve a clear pathway through the healthcare system, and deserve coordination at the provincial level so that there is one clear access point to all available care, information and services.

06/15/2026

When dementia care cannot be easily accessed, it feels like it doesn’t exist at all. We are going to change that.

Along with Alzheimer Society of Ontario we have launched the Ontario Dementia Task Force.

Over the years, we have spoken with countless people living with dementia and care partners who have shared the challenges of navigating a system that can be difficult to access and even harder to coordinate.

Families spend months searching for answers, connecting services, and advocating for support during an already difficult time.

Ontario has many dedicated providers and organizations delivering excellent dementia care. The challenge is that care is not always connected in a way that makes the journey easier for people and families.

That is why we founded The Brainwell Institute and we are excited to support this work through foundational funding from Weston Family Foundation.

Together with an exceptional group of leaders, clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience, we will be developing practical recommendations to strengthen dementia care coordination across the province.