As we come to the close of 2025, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the TDRA community for a year marked by collaboration, momentum, and shared commitment.
This year represented an important period of growth and alignment for TDRA. Guided by our four strategic pillars—Research, Clinical Care, Education, and Advocacy—we strengthened our role as an integrated network advancing science across the full spectrum of mild cognitive impairment through to dementia. Through this work, we continued to translate research into improved clinical care and education, while supporting people living with neurodegenerative diseases and their families at every stage of disease.
In 2025, TDRA strengthened collaboration through the Clinical Table and its working groups, advancing more coordinated and equitable dementia care across Toronto and Ontario. Shared work plans are now guiding implementation and evaluation, shaping primary and specialty care integration, regional access to specialized services, and preparedness for emerging diagnostics and disease-modifying treatments.
Across the research pillar, TDRA-supported studies continued to advance understanding of dementia risk, biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and innovative interventions. Our shared clinical research platforms grew to include thousands of participants, strengthening the foundation for collaborative discovery and real-world evidence. At the same time, TDRA began shaping its next major research focus on modifiable risk factors and mechanisms of disease, informed by lived experience, clinical expertise, and emerging evidence.
Education, knowledge translation, and community engagement remained central to our mission. Through national partnerships supporting accredited MRI education, a growing plain-language webinar series, expanded digital tools, and strong engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2025, TDRA continued to support clinicians, researchers, care partners, and people living with mild cognitive impairment and dementia as they navigate a rapidly evolving landscape. Our Research Studies Portal and outreach efforts also continued to connect individuals and families with opportunities to participate meaningfully in research.
None of this work would be possible without the dedication of our researchers, clinicians, trainees, staff, partner organizations, funders, and members of our Lived Experience Advisory Partners Council. Your insight, generosity, and commitment to collaboration across disciplines and institutions remain TDRA’s greatest strength.
As we look ahead to 2026, TDRA remains focused on translating progress into real-world impact. We will continue to champion earlier and more timely diagnosis, equitable access to emerging treatments, and compassionate, innovative advanced care models that support people at every stage of disease-from mild cognitive impairment to dementia- and uplift the families that walk alongside them.
Thank you for being part of this shared effort. I wish you and your loved ones a restful holiday season and a healthy, hopeful year ahead.
Carmela Tartaglia, MD, FRCPC
Executive Director, Toronto Dementia Research Alliance
