Thought leaders shaping the future of brain health, caregiving, and gender equity
Our distinguished speakers include Academy Award winners Geena Davis and Marcia Gay Harden, neuroscientist and bestselling author Dr. Lisa Genova, as well as Care Partner Emma Heming Willis. Each brings powerful insight to this year’s conversations.
Almost 70% of those with Alzheimer’s are women.
We can’t ignore a number this big.
Why it matters
Alzheimer’s, dementia, and brain-aging diseases devastate lives, disproportionately affecting women. Nearly 70% of Alzheimer’s patients are women, and the urgency to address cognitive health has never been greater. Scientific discoveries have shown we have significant control over our cognitive health—45% of dementia cases could be prevented through healthier lifestyle choices. This vital information must reach the public to inspire meaningful action. Canada’s inaugural Women’s Brain Health Summit brings together industry experts, medical professionals, researchers, thought leaders, and caregivers to discuss dementia prevention, caregiving, and health equity, inspiring attendees to make informed lifestyle choices and advocate effectively.
What to expect
Experience a unique blend of engaging podium presentations, fireside chats, Q&A sessions, special performances, and networking opportunities designed to translate cutting-edge science into actionable knowledge.
Session Topics Include: Dementia Prevention, Menopause, Caregiving, a Panel Discussion on Women’s Brain Health, Heart Health and Cancers, plus special guest speakers and performances.
Professionals & Researchers
Gain fresh insights and access to cutting-edge findings on dementia prevention, caregiving, and cognitive health. Connect with a community of thought leaders and peers committed to advancing women’s brain health through science-based innovation and practical application.
Concerned Individuals
Learn effective ways to maintain mental wellness, spot early signs of dementia, and advocate for yourself and others. Join a community dedicated to staying mentally sharp, promoting healthy lifestyles, and supporting brain health initiatives across families and communities.
Caregivers & Family Members
Discover practical strategies, helpful resources, and emotional support for navigating caregiving journeys. Connect with others who understand the unique challenges and rewards of caring for loved ones experiencing cognitive changes, and learn proven ways to build resilience.
On the agenda
*Agenda preliminary and subject to change.
5:00 PM
Registration & Cocktail Networking Reception
6:00 PM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Pattie Lovett-Reid, Neil McLaughlin, Lynn Posluns, and Dr. Liisa Galea
6:30 PM
Songs in the Key of Strength
Chilina Kennedy, Star of Beautiful – The Carole King Musical
7:00 PM
Unscripted: Marcia Gay Harden on the Realities of Brain Health
Marcia Gay Harden with moderator Cheryl Hickey
8:00 PM
Dessert Reception
Meet our speakers
Jeanne Beker
Canadian Journalist, Media Personality, and Global Fashion Icon
Dr. Lori Bernstein
Neuropsychologist and Clinician Investigator, Department of Supportive Care, Cancer Rehabilitation & Survivorship Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto
Dr. Vivien Brown
Family Physician, Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto
Geena Davis
Academy Award-winning Actor, Author, Founder & Chair, Geena Davis Institute
Dr. Gillian Einstein
Wilfred and Joyce Posluns Chair in Women’s Brain Health and Aging, Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto
Dr. Liisa Galea
Treliving Family Chair in Women’s Mental Health, CAMH, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
Marcia Gay Harden
Academy Award-winning Actor, Author, and Women’s Brain Health Advocate
Dr. Lisa Genova
Neuroscientist, Award-Winning Author of Still Alice, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Prevention Advocate
Cheryl Hickey
Television Host
Chilina Kennedy
Acclaimed Performer, Creator, and Advocate, Starred as Carole King in Beautiful on Broadway
Lisa LaFlamme
Canadian Award-winning Journalist & Podcast Host
Pattie Lovett-Reid
Financial Expert and Media Personality
Dr. Susanna Mak
Cardiologist and Clinician Scientist, Director Anna Prosserman Heart Function Clinic, Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto
Dr. Pauline Maki
Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Obstetrics & Gynecology Senior Director of Research, Director for Center on Health Awareness and Research on Menopause, University of Illinois College of Medicine
Dr. Laura Middleton
Associate Professor in the Depart. of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Schlegel Research Chair in Dementia and Active Living
Dr. M. Natasha Rajah
Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair, Dept. of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
Dr. Samir Sinha
Geriatrician and Clinician Scientist, Sinai Health System & UHN, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Dr. Marla Shapiro C.M.
Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Specialist Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Menopause Specialist
Carolyn Taylor
Comedian, actor, writer and showrunner
Emma Heming Willis
Author, Care Partner, and Chief Impact Officer of Make Time Wellness
Dr. Wendy Wolfman
Director of the Menopause & Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Clinic, Mount Sinai Hospital, Professor, Depart. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto
Women’s Brain Health Initiative is one of the most important causes we can support at this time. The idea of losing your brain is such a scary thing. As a person like me who is so engaged with the world, loves reading and loves people, the notion of having Alzheimer’s is such a painful idea.
Tina Brown,
Journalist, Magazine Editor, Author
Women’s brain health is so incredibly important, and we’re just beginning to understand how different it is from men’s brain health. There’s research that shows when we give, when we’re engaged, when we get involved in accomplishing things that are important for the world, our own health is better.
Arianna Huffington,
The Huffington Post
I’ve had two very close family members that have passed because of dementia and Alzheimer’s. So to learn more about this organization and the research done for women is important, as is knowing what we can do potentially to prevent this from happening.
Camilla Belle, Actress
Where to stay
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10 minutes from venue
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900 York Mills Road, Toronto
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Special Rate: Deluxe Room $149 + tax
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Call (416) 444-2511 and mention "WBHI" for special rate
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Complimentary internet & overnight parking
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7 minutes from venue
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175 Wynford Drive, North York
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Standard Room: $153 + tax and fees
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Book online using code "SMERF" for special summit rate
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Daily parking: $11.95 + HST with unlimited in & out privileges
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Complimentary internet access
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Our sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Official Product Sponsor
Official Jewellery Sponsor
Official Media Print Sponsor
Event Design Sponsor
Alliance Sponsor
FAQs
Use the registration link here.
Yes, ample free parking is available at Parkview Manor.
Yes, the event includes continental breakfast, lunch, and dessert receptions.
Yes, special rates are available at the hotels listed above. Follow booking instructions provided.
Please contact us directly for refund and cancellation policies.
Yes, the venue is fully accessible. Please contact us if you have specific requirements.
Business casual is recommended.
Your ticket price covers the activities on both December 1st and 2nd. If you can only attend one of the two days, please let us know so we can offer your seat to a student who would like to attend.
Your $495 ticket price includes a charitable receipt of $200, the maximum permitted by law. We will email you your receipt after the Summit.
Yes, a pre-event cocktail and networking reception will take place from 5-9 pm on Monday, December 1st. Additional informal networking opportunities will also be available throughout the summit.
The venue
Parkview Manor
55 Barber Greene Rd., Toronto, ON
(North of Eglinton, west off Don Mills)
Ample free parking available.
Have questions?
We’re here to help!
For inquiries or assistance contact:
summit@wbhi.org
With gratitude to the team behind the scenes
Vitina Blumenthal
Jade Crystal
Rachel Farber
JoAnne Korten
Fiona Liston
Lynn Posluns
Mandy Sharma
Dr. Erna Snelgrove-Clark
Slavica Todorovic
Cathy Williamson