Research

Neurodegenerative diseases represent some of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century: they are chronic, common and untreatable.

Today, one-third of adults over 85 years of age have some form of dementia. As our population ages over the next 25 years, the prevalence of these diseases is expected to double.

The science of these diseases is complex – the easy answers have been ruled out.

At the Tanz Centre, we are prepared to meet this challenge. Our researchers have made many of the most important discoveries of the past two decades concerning the genetics of Alzheimer’s and other diseases. We are determined to discover and invent effective diagnostics and therapies that will stop these devastating diseases.

To learn more about our research areas and the science behind the neurodegenerative diseases studied at the Tanz Centre, please explore the links below:

ALS

Alzheimer’s Disease

Frontotemporal Dementia

Parkinson's

Prion Diseases

Oct 17, 2025

Study uncovers and predicts widespread molecular changes in ALS brain cells

Researchers at Temerty Medicine have found widespread genetic and protein changes in the brain cells of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which may help shed light on mechanisms of the disease.

Sep 8, 2025

Tanz Centre findings offer new insight on old prion disease research

A new University of Toronto study on misfolded proteins in brain cells is reshaping long-standing views of prion diseases by offering a fresh explanation for decades-old research images once thought to show virus-like particles.

May 30, 2025

Tanz Centre startup receives incubator space and support with innovator award

Neuropeutics Inc., a brain health company based on discovery science done at the Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, is the inaugural winner of the AbbVie Biotech Innovators Award.

Apr 10, 2025

Tanz Centre awards to support three researchers exploring brain diseases

Three scientists at the Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases have received awards to support their research and develop leading-edge treatments.

Mar 13, 2025

Skin-based test may allow better diagnosis of rare but debilitating neurodegenerative disease

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a skin-based test that can detect signature features of progressive supranuclear palsy, pointing toward the potential for a minimally invasive diagnostic test.

Feb 6, 2025

U of T alum’s start-up Neuropeutics gets boost from UK-based charity

Neuropeutics Inc, a start-up company launched by University of Toronto researchers to tackle neurodegenerative diseases, has partnered with medical research charity LifeArc to develop a new drug for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative conditions.