A groundbreaking initiative has emerged as Kathy Owen pays tribute to her late husband, esteemed journalist Gerald Owen, by establishing the Gerald I.S. Owen Memorial Fund at the Tanz Centre for Neurodegenerative Disease Research at the University of Toronto. This fund aims to accelerate research into Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

The journey began in 2021 when Kathy and Gerald connected with Dr. Martin Ingelsson, a prominent geriatrician and professor at U of T. Initially apprehensive about the meeting due to Gerald's advanced Alzheimer's, Kathy recognized this encounter could open doors for clinical trial participation, benefiting future patients.

"Alzheimer’s research is desperately needed—this devastating disease impacts entire families," Kathy expressed. "There’s a growing sense of hope now more than ever for effective treatments, and we wanted to contribute to that hope."

Dr. Ingelsson's work focuses on the impact of toxic amyloid proteins in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, as well as those with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease. His groundbreaking research aims to innovate immunotherapy and gene editing technologies to combat amyloid buildup, address disease-causing mutations, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

With notable advancements in the field, Dr. Ingelsson was previously affiliated with Uppsala University in Sweden, where his collaboration on the monoclonal antibody lecanemab (Leqembi) contributed to the FDA’s recent approval of the drug, heralding a new era of Alzheimer’s treatments. This first-of-its-kind immunotherapy has demonstrated success in reducing amyloid plaques in early-stage patients, showcasing the transformative potential of modern research.

Dr. Ingelsson comments, "The advancements we are seeing aren't purely speculative. We are developing immunotherapy strategies to clear existing brain protein pathologies, with ongoing experimental models validating our approach. The future looks promising for more effective Alzheimer’s treatments."

Although Gerald Owen passed away in 2023 at the age of 70, Kathy’s resolve to honor his memory and commitment to advancing Alzheimer’s research remains strong. She hopes the Gerald I.S. Owen Memorial Fund will pave the way for innovative therapies that will one day help countless patients and families facing the challenges of neurodegenerative diseases.

Kathy’s dedication doesn’t stop there; she has also provided support to Gerald’s father who battled Alzheimer’s, highlighting a personal commitment to the fight against this relentless ailment. By establishing this fund, Kathy emphasizes that honoring Gerald's memory will aid in the pursuit of a brighter, more hopeful future for those affected by Alzheimer's disease.