BHCIA Research Initiative: Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging

Overview

The Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA), launched in 2014, is the national research consortium for research involving neurodegenerative diseases in aging that affect cognition in aging. The CCNA is one of the three components of the Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment in Aging (BHCIA) Research Initiative that was launched by CIHR's Institute of Aging (CIHR-IA) in March 2023. The BHCIA Research Initiative supports research across the continuum, from the healthy aging brain to cognitive impairment, and care for those impacted by dementia, including their care partners.

The CCNA is funded by the Government of Canada ($5M annually), and by the contributions of many partners, including CIHR Institutes and external partners.

The CCNA supports research in the following themes:

1. Primary Prevention – Focused on the underlying mechanisms and prevention of dementia;
2. Secondary Prevention and Treatment – Aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of dementia; and
3. Quality of Life – Focused on improving the management of dementia and the quality of life of those with lived experience.

The first phase of funding in 2014 included an investment of more than $26M from CIHR and partners to bring together the best Canadian research in all aspects of neurodegenerative processes affecting cognition in aging in a collaborative manner to enhance synergies and foster innovative thinking.

Learn more about CCNA Phase I: Phase 1 Research - CCNA-CCNV

For Phase II (2019-2024), the CCNA refreshed its activities and scope to better respond to national and international priorities in the field and address ongoing and emerging knowledge needs. The total investment from CIHR and partners in Phase II was more than $44M.

Learn more about CCNA Phase II activities: At a glance - CCNA-CCNV.

Phase III

Given that the CCNA had been in place for ten years, a CIHR-led scientific mid-term review of CCNA Phase II was conducted. A change in design was informed by the recommendations of this review as well as additional input from CCNA governance bodies, to better respond to the neurodegenerative disease landscape, and to ensure optimal alignment with the National Dementia Strategy (NDS) (2019) and the CIHR Strategic Plan 2021-31.

CCNA Phase III (2024-29) is being launched in two stages:

• Stage 1: The CCNA Phase III Operations Centre funding opportunity was launched September 2023, with modifications to optimize central network capacity, including central research support for CCNA researchers and access to CCNA research platforms. The CCNA was awarded $20.6M over 5 years for the Operating Centre, with funding beginning April 2024.
• Stage 2: The CCNA Research Teams funding opportunity was launched in August 2024, and registration is now open until November 6, 2024. The CCNA Research Teams will be formally associated with, and meaningfully linked to, the CCNA Operations Centre, and will be expected to support the fulfillment of CCNA’s overall objectives.
  • Funding opportunity
    • Registration deadline: November 6, 2024
    • Application deadline: December 11, 2024
  • Linkage tool
  • Webinar
  • FAQ

The main objectives of the CCNA Phase III Operations Centre and CCNA Research Teams align with, and build upon the successes of Phases I and II and the CCNA theme areas, to

• Increase the interdisciplinary collaborations in age-related neurodegenerative diseases;
• Build capacity in age-related neurodegenerative diseases while recognizing, integrating and addressing equity, diversity and inclusion considerations, First Nations, Inuit and Métis health perspectives and persons with living/lived experience;
• Enhance the competitiveness and international presence of researchers in Canada, as well as their influence on outcomes related to neurodegenerative diseases affecting cognition.

Contact Information

For questions about the CCNA, please contact: BHCIA-SCTCV@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or visit the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) website.

For information on CIHR's support of the CCNA, or other major initiatives, please contact:

Telephone: 613-954-1968
Toll Free: 1-888-603-4178
support-soutien@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

Officers are available Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.

Date modified:

2024-10-22