#United States #Chicago #Brain Health #Pilot Awards #Alzheimer’s Society

Empowering Global Brain Health: Pilot Awards Highlight Innovation

On November 17, 2025, the Alzheimer's Association, in collaboration with the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) and Alzheimer's Society (UK), announced the latest recipients of the Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders. This year, 27 innovators from across 21 countries have been recognized for their commitment to improving brain health, enhancing dementia care, and tackling the stigma surrounding neurological disorders.

The Pilot Awards program aims to support emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds, including medicine, neuroscience, public health, and the arts. These individuals are developing locally relevant, impactful solutions to bolster brain health and promote equity worldwide.

Projects Focused on Training and Education

Many of this year's awarded projects emphasize the need for training and education in regions where dementia resources are severely limited. For instance, in Nepal, psychiatrist Madhur Basnet is working to identify barriers to integrating dementia services into primary healthcare, ensuring that patients receive the necessary support. Meanwhile, Dominican Republic’s Carolina Bidó develops an online training program aimed at equipping doctors with the skills needed to recognize and manage dementia more effectively. Furthermore, in Ghana, Kwaku Manu, a general medical practitioner, leads an initiative to train caregivers, thereby strengthening community resilience and family support networks.

Harnessing Research and Technology

Other awardees are utilizing science and technology to enhance diagnosis and treatment methods, making them more accurate, affordable, and inclusive. In the United Kingdom, neuropsychologist Emilie Brotherhood is creating CANVAS, a pioneering drawing-based tool designed to improve the early detection of various dementia variants. Across Spain, physician Olga Castañer is investigating the neuroprotective effects of new therapies employing nanoparticle models. Additionally, in Africa, Nigerian neurologist Temitope Farombi and Togolese neuropsychologist Mawuli Lawson are adapting digital diagnostic tools to improve early detection and care tailored to cultural contexts.

As Heather M. Snyder, Senior Vice President of Medical and Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer's Association, states, “Meaningful progress in dementia research depends on global collaboration combined with local innovation.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the Pilot Awards program.

Changing Perceptions through Creativity and Community Action

Creativity also plays a significant role in many awardees’ initiatives. In Peru, journalist Susana Lay leads the 'Voices to Action' project, employing solutions journalism to convey community experiences regarding dementia. In Romania, psychologist Raluca Sfetcu is launching the 'Brain Health Wave Podcast', which aims to make brain science accessible to listeners across Southeast Europe. Meanwhile, in the United States, documentary filmmaker Michelle Memran is co-producing 'Let This Be a Symphony', a campaign that presents diverse perspectives on dementia, thereby challenging prevailing societal narratives.

Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer's Society, expresses the significance of the Pilot Awards, stating, “By supporting world-class research and amplifying diverse voices globally, we can drive the innovation needed to improve life for people affected by dementia everywhere.”

Focus on Global Impact

The recognition of these 27 leaders adds to the 184 awardees funded since the program's inception in 2017, culminating in 211 innovative projects that have reached 53 countries. As of June 2025, these pioneers have collectively secured over $135 million in additional funding, demonstrating the broad support and dedication to advancing brain health solutions.

Through their work, these awardees are not only enhancing care but also providing vital support to families and reducing stigma in their respective communities. Their impactful initiatives reflect the power of compassionate leadership and the ongoing commitment to improving brain health for all.

To learn more about the Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders and explore their projects, visit GBHI's website.

About the Organizations

• - Alzheimer's Association: A global voluntary health organization focused on Alzheimer's care, support, and research aimed at ending Alzheimer's and other dementia. Learn more at alz.org.
• - Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI): A leader in protecting aging populations from threats to brain health. GBHI collaborates to expand prevention and interventions while engaging in advocacy for brain health. For further information, visit gbhi.org.
• - Alzheimer's Society: The UK’s leading dementia charity, dedicated to providing support and funding research initiatives. Visit alzheimers.org.uk for more details.

Together, these organizations represent a powerful force in the fight against dementia, advocating for and implementing innovative solutions worldwide.