The Brainwell Institute

The Brainwell Institute Dementia-focused Think-tank, dedicated to igniting change through research & action.

06/01/2026

Canada's National Dementia Strategy lacks the details and accountability needed to be implemented in a meaningful way.

Hear Dr. Sivananthan discuss why the strategy falls short, and how to fix it.



05/24/2026

The way dementia care is being delivered in Canada is chaotic to say the least.

Without a coordinated delivery system, chaos ensues, and families are left to figure things out on their own, hitting a crashing point.

This analogy hits the nail on the head.



05/21/2026

You think someone you love might have the beginnings of dementia?

What should you do?

Thanks for the chat.

05/09/2026

Donanumab is a breakthrough drug treatment for Early stage Alzheimer's Disease.

It works by binding to plaques, and removing them from the brain, to allow for neuron communication. This helps to slow the progression of memory loss that defines Alzheimer's.

It is a breakthrough treatment, but yes, there are major side effects.

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this major news.

05/07/2026

Thanks CTV for the opportunity to chat about Donanumab, the latest drug to receive Health Canada approval and what Canada needs to do next to support people living with

05/06/2026

Eva was the primary caregiver for her mum Vasiliki, who lived with dementia.

Vasiliki was found naked on the floor by EMT when Eva called them 3 days after her mum fell. Her mum eventually died in hospital.

We don't know the full context (other health conditions, environment, childhood, relationship with her mother etc.) but we do know this:

We are asking caregivers of people with dementia to do the impossible.

24/7 care.

Complex medical and behavioural needs.

No training.

Little to no support.

A system that is fragmented and hard to navigate.

In Eva's case, it appears there was no meaningful home or community care, and limited (if any) informal support.

Individual negligence aside, that is also

We often talk about "caregiver burden" as if it is an inevitable byproduct of dementia.

It is not.

It is the result of a system that lacks and

Full story in bio

Caregiving can feel like there's no 'off switch'. Many times, there isn't a lot of room for pause. Self-care for caregiv...
05/05/2026

Caregiving can feel like there's no 'off switch'. Many times, there isn't a lot of room for pause.

Self-care for caregivers is not optional, it's essential.

About 40% of family caregivers for people with dementia suffer from depression and other mental health conditions.

Sometimes, taking care of ourselves, even in the smallest ways, can bring up feelings of guilt- as if we are taking away from our loved ones. But, you need to know what the research says.

Research and evidence point to self-care as essential for caregivers, and for those being cared for. Health outcomes of both parties rely on caregivers to nourish themselves.

We know that systems often leave caregivers behind, and it isn't always possible to prioritize self-care when everything else feels so overwhelming.

However, building a routine for self-care can start very small. It can start with one phone call to someone you trust just for brief connection. It can start with joining online support groups, or delegating one thing to someone else if you can.

Once we begin to put ourselves into the quality of life equation, outcomes improve for everyone.

Setting boundaries isn't selfish.
Seeking support isn't failure.
It's how care remains sustainable.

So, browse the menu and find something that works for you.
Big or small, you deserve it!

💜🧠💜

04/23/2026

Not all caregiver burnout looks like exhaustion.

Sometimes it looks like guilt, anger, and silence no one talks about.

5 overlooked (and often stigmatized) signs in dementia care:

• Quiet resentment you feel guilty for noticing:

You still love them—but part of you feels resentment toward how the relationship has changed. Dementia can turn roles upside down, and over time that emotional strain builds. When it has nowhere to go, it can lead to withdrawal, distance, and even more guilt.

• Emotional numbness or “autopilot” caregiving:

You’re getting everything done—but inside, you feel flat or disconnected. This is often a nervous system response to chronic stress. In dementia care, that shutdown can slowly reduce emotional connection, even when you’re physically present every day.

• Irritability that feels bigger than the moment:

A repeated question or small disruption triggers a reaction that feels out of proportion. Then comes the guilt. This isn’t a lack of patience—it’s cognitive and emotional overload. Constant repetition and vigilance wear down your capacity to regulate.

• Fantasies of escape followed by shame:

Thoughts like “I just want a break from all of this” or “What if I didn’t have to do this tomorrow?” These aren’t about abandoning your loved one—they’re signals that your system is overwhelmed and craving rest, space, and relief.

• Hiding how hard it really is:

Avoiding the full truth with family or friends. Minimizing your stress or their symptoms. This kind of masking often feels easier in the moment—but it leads to deeper isolation and less support over time.

Burnout in dementia care isn’t always visible.
Sometimes it’s quiet, internal, and carried alone.

And just because it’s not obvious—doesn’t mean it’s not serious.
It deserves support before it becomes something heavier.

02/12/2026

We all know caregivers need more support through every stage of the journey.

Thanks for giving us the chance to discuss how to help caregivers, and ultimately, people living with dementia.

01/30/2026

Alzheimer’s is the most common forms of Dementia, and understanding the brain changes that occur for those impacted, can help collectively reduce stigma..

Save or share this with someone who needs to know about the signs and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Thank you

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