Dementia research nets $500K in research funds over 5 years

The province announced Tuesday that itwill be pitching in $250,000 for dementia research over the next five years.

The AlzheimerSociety has also come up with $250,000 and sothe combined $500,000 will be used in the next half decadeto find new ways to both treat and diagnose dementia.

"With an aging population, there has never been a more important time to profile dementia research," said Jobs and EconomyMinister Kevin Chief on Tuesday.

More than 20,000 Manitobans have Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

Benedict Albensi,a professor at the University of Manitoba, was also recognized as the Manitoba Dementia Research Chair Tuesday and he will lead the research team,which will be tasked with learningmore about the early detection of dementia.

"Increasing our understanding of dementia and improving diagnosis and care is an important step forward," said Christina Weise, CEO ofResearch Manitoba, the provincial body donating the money.

"This is one of the most memorable events of my professional career," said Albensi. "To be recognized by the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Research Manitoba and the Government of Manitoba for the Manitoba Dementia Research Chair is a highlight I will remember over and over with gratitude."