Advancing research in women’s brain health and menopause care with support from TD Bank Group

Brain fog. Migraines. Memory challenges.

For many women, these cognitive symptoms are a reality of menopause. Yet there are very few studies that explore how they can be managed effectively.

That’s why we are thrilled to announce a $1-million donation from TD Bank Group to advance research in women’s brain health and menopause care at the Weston and O'Born Centre for Mature Women's Health.

The investment will fund a new study that will use advanced brain imaging and neuropsychological testing to determine whether menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) can safely and effectively alleviate migraine and brain fog symptoms associated with menopause. Co-led by Sinai Health's Dr. Marie Christakis and Dr. Ginette Moores, this initiative promises to lay the foundation for more precision, evidence-based menopause care that enhances quality of life and protects long-term brain health.

"At Sinai Health, we’re committed to driving a transformational shift in how women receive care through midlife and beyond, and this investment from TD will help accelerate that impact," says Louis de Melo, President and CEO of Sinai Health Foundation. "We are deeply grateful to TD for not only investing in this crucial and historically underfunded area of care but also advocating for stronger awareness to ensure that women's health receives the attention and resources it deserves." 

Anna Iacobelli, Senior Vice President of the Metro West Region at TD, Dr. Marie Christakis, Clinical Lead at the Weston and O’Born Centre for Mature Women’s Health and Study Co-Lead, and Dr. Ginette Moores, Neurologist at Sinai Health and Study Co-Lead, came together for an engaging discussion at a recent event.
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A meaningful conversation about women’s health research, awareness and action

On Monday, July 27, we announced this milestone at a special event that featured a powerful discussion about how we can collectively move the dial on women’s health – in Canada and beyond.

Moderated by Anna Iacobelli, Senior Vice President of the Metro West Region at TD Bank Group, this conversation highlighted the clinical observations that inspired Drs. Christakis and Moores to initiate the study, what they hope to accomplish with this project and how the support of partners like TD is helping Sinai Health address critical gaps that exist in women’s health research, care and awareness. They also discussed the progress that has been made to bring this important topic out of the shadows, especially in corporate settings, and how to build on this momentum for generations to come. Check out the event's image gallery or watch the event recap below!

After the panel discussion, David Reilly, SVP of Metro East Region at TD, spoke to this commitment, saying, "This investment represents TD Bank Group's commitment to being a more human bank, where we continue to learn, listen and help to invest in our communities to make them stronger."

TD has a longstanding history of supporting health initiatives at Sinai Health that address the health challenges society faces. This latest contribution underscores TD's commitment to advancing health-care solutions that address underserved populations and pressing medical challenges.

We are deeply grateful to TD for supporting our ambition to transform care for women at every stage of life. We look forward to continuing to share the impact of this work as we continue to take on the most pressing questions that exist in women's health research, and close gaps that exist in knowledge so that more women can access the care they deserve.