From 3 programs to 8: How one nonprofit is expanding dementia prevention services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hope for Dementia Annual Gala to Unite Montreal Leaders in the Fight for Dementia Prevention
More than 300 leaders expected at the November 14 gala featuring renowned neuroscientific researcher Dr. Sylvie Belleville, raising essential funds for vulnerable and underserved seniors.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC — 27 October 2026 — With research highlighting the potential to prevent or delay a significant proportion of dementia cases, Hope for Dementia is bringing together more than 300 leaders from the scientific, business and social services sectors for its Annual Fundraising Gala on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Le Crystal in Montreal.
The evening will combine networking, scientific discussion and entertainment in an elegant setting, all in support of a shared goal: promoting dementia prevention and helping seniors maintain their cognitive health, independence and quality of life.
According to findings published by the Lancet Commission in 2024, up to 45% of dementia cases could potentially be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors throughout life. These findings underscore the importance of raising public awareness and expanding access to practical prevention programs that help people take action to protect their cognitive health.
“Support for Hope for Dementia over the years has been tremendous, allowing for the expansion of programs from 3 to 8 in the past 6 years, reaching persons in rural Québec, in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and with plans for Ontario and Manitoba. This is evidence that there is a crying need for dementia prevention awareness and services,” said Parsa Famili, President and Founder of Hope for Dementia.
Turning Awareness into Meaningful Action
For Hope for Dementia, dementia prevention goes beyond awareness. It means delivering accessible programs that help seniors stay socially connected, physically active and cognitively engaged, while supporting healthier aging and reducing the risk factors associated with dementia.
The organization’s impact is reflected in its growing reach and the participation of communities, volunteers and supporters over the past 11 years:
- 15,000 individuals and their families served through nutrition initiatives and brain-healthy food distribution programs.
- More than 1,500 participants directly engaged in in-person programs designed to break social isolation and keep seniors cognitively active.
- Over 5,000 volunteer hours contributed by youth in service to seniors, strengthening intergenerational connections and community engagement.
These initiatives are particularly important for underserved and vulnerable seniors who may face barriers to accessing social, nutritional and cognitive wellness services. By helping seniors remain active, connected and engaged, Hope for Dementia’s programs contribute to healthy aging and may help alleviate some of the pressures on an already overburdened healthcare system.
A Gala Featuring Leading Scientific Expertise
A highlight of this year’s gala will be the keynote address by Dr. Sylvie Belleville, a leading expert in the neuroscience of aging, professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Montreal,who will bring scientific perspectives to the discussion of dementia and cognitive health.
The event will give attendees an opportunity to learn more about the importance of prevention, connect with leaders across sectors and see how their support translates into tangible benefits for seniors and their communities.
The gala also provides an important platform for corporate sponsors and community partners to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, healthy aging and the well-being of vulnerable populations.
With support from donors, sponsors and community partners, Hope for Dementia has expanded its programs from three to eight over the past six years. Continued investment will help the organization build on this momentum, reach more communities and respond to the growing need for accessible dementia prevention awareness and services.
Be Part of the Impact
Hope for Dementia invites individuals, corporations, community leaders and organizations to participate in this important evening. By purchasing tickets or sponsoring the gala, supporters can help sustain and expand programs that promote cognitive health, reduce social isolation and improve the quality of life of seniors.
Sponsorship opportunities and gala tickets are available at hopefordementia.org.
Join Hope for Dementia on November 14, 2026, at Le Crystal, and help turn the promise of dementia prevention into meaningful action for seniors, families and communities.
About Hope for Dementia
Hope for Dementia is dedicated to promoting dementia prevention and supporting initiatives that encourage healthy aging, social connection, physical activity and cognitive well-being. Through its programs and community partnerships, the organization works to make prevention awareness and services more accessible to seniors and their families, helping build healthier and more connected communities.
Media Contact
Camille N. Isaacs Morell
Vice-President, Hope for Dementia
camille.isaacsmorell@hopefordementia.org
514.464.0350
Website: https://hopefordementia.org/
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