Video: Unlocking the power of women’s brain health

With women facing unique risks and challenges in brain health, the conversation around prevention, research and advocacy has never been more critical. That’s why RBC Wealth Management is proud to have been the presenting sponsor of the inaugural Women’s Brain Health Summit , an impactful event featuring leading researchers, clinicians and advocates discussing dementia prevention, caregiving and health equity. Below is a list of the summit’s powerhouse speakers and some of their talking points:

• Pattie Lovett-Reid, Canadian news anchor; Neil McLaughlin, Group Head, RBC Wealth Management; Lynn Posluns, president and CEO, Women’s Brain Health Initiative; Sandi Treliving, director on the board of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation; Jim Treliving, businessman and “Dragon’s Den” star and Dr. Liisa Galea, senior scientist at CAMH and women’s health advocate, kicked off the event with inspiring opening remarks, emphasizing the urgency of prioritizing women’s brain health.

• Marcia Gay Harden, Academy Award-winning actress, in conversation with Cheryl Hickey, former “ET Canada” presenter, shared candid perspectives on the realities of brain health, blending personal experience with advocacy.

• Geena Davis, founder of the Geena Davis Institute and an Academy Award winner, in conversation with Lisa LaFlamme, noted Canadian journalist, discussed the importance of power, purpose and pushing back against societal norms.

• Emma Heming Willis, author and caregiver advocate, in conversation with Jeanne Beker, Canadian fashion journalist, shared her journey and insights on navigating caregiving and brain health following husband Bruce Willis’ dementia diagnosis.

• Dr. Lisa Genova, neuroscientist and author; Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics at Sinai Health System and Dr. Natasha Rajah, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Sex, Gender and Diversity in Brain Health, explored the science of prevention and actionable steps to reduce dementia risk.

• Dr. Pauline Maki, professor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Illinois; Dr. Wendy Wolfman, Director of the Menopause Clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital and Dr. Marla Shapiro, a distinguished Canadian family physician and author, delved into the critical connection between menopause, memory and mental clarity.

• Dr. Lori Bernstein, neuroscientist and clinician investigator in the Princess Margaret Research Unit; Dr. Gillian Einstein, associate professor of psychology at the University of Toronto and The Wilfred and Joyce Posluns Chair in Women’s Brain Health and Aging and Dr. Susanna Mak, clinical cardiologist and associate professor in the Department of Medicine’s Division of Cardiology at the University of Toronto, discussed the interconnected risks of dementia, heart disease and cancer for women.

Investing in women’s brain health is investing in stronger communities and a more equitable future. Women’s Brain Health Initiative (WBHI) is the largest trusted resource of information specific to women’s brain health. RBC Wealth Management supports WBHI’s mission to bridge the gender research gap and educate generations of women on how to protect and prolong their brain health as they age. 

Watch highlights from the summit in the video above and learn more about the event here .