Cognitive Health Initiative

The Neil and Susan Manning Cognitive Health Initiative began as an innovative five-year clinical research program to integrate leading-edge research and care for patients living with cognitive health issues on Vancouver Island. 

A Victoria family affected by cognitive health issues inspired and supported the initiative. The Mannings made a generous pledge of $2.5 million to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, inspiring Island Health, the University of Victoria, and the University of British Columbia to partner in developing this visionary project. Thanks to ongoing philanthropy from the Manning family and many other visionary philanthropists, and with the support of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, the Initiative is entering its sixth year.

The Cognitive Health Initiative seeks to:

  • develop state-of-the-art tools for early diagnosis;
  • integrate research evidence into patient care;
  • pursue and further develop clinical trials for dementia on Vancouver Island;
  • develop innovative non-pharmacological treatments for patients and carers; and
  • follow dementia patients throughout Vancouver Island in a single real-time Dementia Guidance System database that will track and cluster symptoms, treatment plans, and outcomes.

The Cognitive Health Initiative works closely with the Specialist Memory Clinic at the Royal Jubilee Hospital’s Neil and Susan Manning Seniors’ Outpatient Clinic. Further links with primary care are being established through an expanding network of Primary Care Memory Clinics and Geriatric Specialty Services.

Get Involved in Cognitive Health Research

Are you interested in learning about research study opportunities related to memory and cognitive health?

With your permission, the CHI will contact you when there are studies related to cognition for which you may be eligible. Signing up to be notified does not mean that you are consenting to participate in a study.

To learn more or sign up, contact the Clinical Research Registered Nurse at the Seniors Outpatient Clinic by phone at 250-519-7700 ext. 17566, or by email  to ResearchPTC@islandhealth.ca.

Learn More

Leadership

Medical Director

Dr. Alexandre Henri-Bhargava
alexandre.henribhargava@islandhealth.ca