The Baycrest Foundation connects artists, celebrities and researchers to "change the future of brain health"

The Yogen Früz Brain Project returns for a fourth year with a vigorous campaign to raise brain health awareness and advance groundbreaking research on aging and dementia.

With the generous support of this year’s title sponsor, Yogen Früz, The Baycrest Foundation is teaming up with local and international artists and celebrities to launch this year's Yogen Früz Brain Project and transform 50 blank brains into thought-provoking pieces of art. The initiative is encouraging Canadians to get a "head start" on brain health from a young age.

Dementia is a public health concern worldwide. In Canada, more than 564,000 individuals are currently living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Despite popular belief, dementia is not a natural or inevitable consequence of aging and there are many ways to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Baycrest scientists are leading research on early detection for dementia. In fact, new research by the University of Arizona and Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute has found what could be an early detection method for some forms of dementia.

The study, recently published in the journal Neuropsychologia, found that patients with a rare neurodegenerative brain disorder called primary progressive aphasia, or PPA, show brain function abnormalities in areas that look structurally normal on an MRI scan.

"If we can delay the onset of dementia by five years, we could reduce its prevalence in the population by about one third - that is a significant number," said Josh Cooper, President and CEO of The Baycrest Foundation. "The Yogen Früz Brain Project challenges Canadians of all ages to learn what they can do now to delay the onset of dementia as they age. Meanwhile, the funds raised through this initiative will allow us to change the future of brain health."

Get a "head start" on brain health
Being educated, staying in good health and exercising can reduce your dementia risk by 28%. Additionally, speaking two languages can delay the onset of dementia by four years.

Several notable personalities, artists and creative minds are fashioning this year's brains:

• Cheryl Hickey - Hickey is a well-known host at ET Canada. Since learning that her father had dementia, she has been an advocate for preventing its onset and reducing the effects of the disease.
• Romero Britto - Britto is a Brazilian artist, painter, serigrapher (silkscreen) and sculptor based in Miami, Florida. He combines elements of cubism, pop art and graffiti painting in his work, using vibrant colours and bold patterns.
• Michelle Vella - Vella is a Toronto-based contemporary artist whose work bridges fine arts and fashion.
• Alex Runt - Runt began his art career in Toronto's underground scene in the early '80s, drawing posters to hang around the Cameron House and eventually landing the gig to paint the now-iconic mural outside Lee's Palace.
• Tony Taylor - Taylor is a Toronto-based artist. He creates renderings of well-dressed wild animals in human form. He draws inspiration from a variety of political and economic events, which frame his entire vision.
• Emily Carriere - Carriere is based in Toronto and creates intricate, cut out vinyl and acrylic artworks. She uses the natural progression of experimentation to produce abstract images which are up for interpretation.

Brainstallations - Where will they be?
The artwork will be on display throughout the summer from July 3 to August 31, 2019 at various locations in Toronto, including the city’s iconic Nathan Phillips Square, The Distillery District, Brookfield Place, Union Station and other popular landmarks.

Where does the money go?
The Yogen Früz Brain Project has an important public purpose. Through this initiative, The Baycrest Foundation aims to raise more than $1 million this year, adding to the $3 million raised to date. Funds support brain research, patient care, education and innovation at Baycrest, a leader in the field of aging and brain health.

How to get involved
Canadians can take part in the People's Choice Award and vote for their favourite brain sculpture from July 3 to August 31, 2019 on the Brain Project website. The artist with the most public votes will receive a one-night stay at the SOHO Hotel and dinner for two at Toronto’s Pizzeria Moretti.

Decorate a home or office with one of this year's brain sculptures. The brains are available for sale as soon as they hit the streets on July 3. All proceeds support brain research, patient care, education and innovation at the Baycrest Foundation.

Do you have news to share?
The ICAA welcomes your news submissions. Please send your press releases to colinmilner@icaa.cc-the ICAA's email for submissions-and staff will consider your news for possible publication. Newsworthy topics include such things as center/community openings; initiative or campaign launches; announcements of awards, promotions or grants; and other topics of interest to active-aging professionals.

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