The Neil and Susan Manning Cognitive Health Initiative
An incubator for innovation. Making a difference locally for those living with cognitive health issues.
Established in 2017, this innovative five-year project integrates leading-edge research and care for patients living with cognitive health issues on Vancouver Island. A family who has been impacted by cognitive health issues inspired Island Health, the University of Victoria (UVic), and the University of British Columbia (UBC) to partner and develop the Neil and Susan Manning Cognitive Health Initiative. The Mannings have made a generous pledge of $2.5 million to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation to fund the program.
Vancouver Island has a high population of older adults. The incidence of dementia here has been called “a rising tide.”
Researchers and clinicians with working space at both the University of Victoria and Island Health are designing and running a collection of cognitive health disorder studies. Medical professionals who deliver dementia care have the opportunity for training and involvement in conducting the research. This allows the research to be conducted during care delivery, and expand clinicians’ research abilities.
Some highlights to date include:
- The development of a Dementia Guidance System and a mobile app to help in the diagnosis and tracking of cognitive health symptoms
- The opening of a Specialist Memory Clinic at the Seniors Outpatient Clinic at Royal Jubilee Hospital, the first for the region
Dr. Alex Henri-Bhargava, Medical Director, Neil and Susan Manning Cognitive Health Initiative
Tom’s sister Lucy and the rest of the family are filled with gratitude for the generosity of Neil and Susan Manning.
“On behalf of my family, I want to say a big thank you for funding the Memory Service within the Seniors Outpatient Clinic,” says Lucy. “For the help it provides families and patients. We’re so grateful for the support and advocacy our brother has received. Your generosity supports people, like Tom, who are the most vulnerable in our society.”
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