Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer’s Association, the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), and Alzheimer’s Society (UK) have announced the recipients of the Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders. A total of 27 innovative projects across 21 countries will receive funding aimed at enhancing brain health, expanding dementia care, and reducing stigma associated with cognitive decline.
November 17, 2025, marks a significant milestone as these awards empower emerging leaders from diverse fields—including medicine, neuroscience, public health, and the arts—to implement practical solutions tailored to local needs.
Aura DeMare, Program Manager of the Pilot Awards at GBHI, emphasized the importance of local leadership, stating, “These projects highlight the creativity and commitment of local leaders working to improve lives in their communities that they know so well.” By merging scientific insights with community action, these leaders are paving the way for a more compassionate understanding of brain health.
Expanding Training and Education
Many of the funded projects focus on enhancing skills and education in areas where dementia care resources are scarce. In Nepal, psychiatrist Madhur Basnet is working to identify barriers to integrating dementia services into primary healthcare. Similarly, in the Dominican Republic, physician Carolina Bidó is developing an online training program for doctors to better address dementia care needs. In Ghana, general medical practitioner Kwaku Manu is leading a caregiver training initiative aimed at strengthening family networks and fostering community resilience.
Innovating Through Research and Technology
Several awardees are leveraging science and technology to enhance diagnosis and treatment options. In the United Kingdom, neuropsychologist Emilie Brotherhood is creating CANVAS, a drawing-based computer vision tool designed to improve the early detection of dementia variants. Meanwhile, in Spain, physician and vascular health researcher Olga Castañer is investigating the neuroprotective effects of new therapies utilizing nanoparticle models. Across Africa, neurologist Temitope Farombi from Nigeria and neuropsychologist Mawuli Lawson from Togo are culturally adapting and testing digital diagnostic tools to enhance early recognition and treatment of dementia.
Heather M. Snyder, Senior Vice President for Medical and Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer’s Association, remarked, “Meaningful progress in dementia research depends on global collaboration combined with local innovation.” She added that the association is proud to support these transformative projects alongside GBHI and Alzheimer’s Society.
Creativity and Community Action
Some recipients are employing art, storytelling, and media to shift public perceptions and reduce stigma surrounding dementia. In Peru, journalist Susana Lay leads the Voices to Action project, which uses solutions journalism to share community experiences with dementia. In Romania, psychologist Raluca Sfetcu is launching the Brain Health Wave Podcast series to make brain science accessible to audiences across Southeast Europe. In the United States, documentary filmmaker Michelle Memran is co-producing Let This Be a Symphony, a media campaign celebrating diverse voices and redefining societal understanding of dementia.
Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, expressed enthusiasm for the Pilot Awards, stating, “We’re delighted to partner in the Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders, supporting emerging innovators advancing brain health and dementia care worldwide.” She noted that by amplifying diverse voices and supporting world-class research, these initiatives can drive the necessary innovation to enhance the lives of those impacted by dementia globally.
The 27 new awardees join a network of 184 individuals funded since the program’s inception in 2017, culminating in a total of 211 projects across 53 countries. As of June 2025, awardees have secured over $135 million in additional funding, which includes $17.5 million in leveraged support directly building on their pilot work. Together, these efforts are broadening the reach and long-term impact of innovative brain health solutions, ultimately improving care, supporting families, and reducing stigma in communities worldwide.
For further information on the Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders and to explore the specific projects funded, visit www.gbhi.org/pilot-awards.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a prominent voluntary health organization committed to Alzheimer’s care, research, and support, with a mission to end all forms of dementia. The Global Brain Health Institute focuses on protecting aging populations from threats to brain health through training, collaboration, and advocacy, while Alzheimer’s Society leads dementia initiatives in the UK, providing support and funding groundbreaking research.
