Context

Neurological disorders are now the world’s leading cause of ill-health and disability, affecting more than 40% of people and driving heavy demand for specialty care, clinical trials, and long-term support. As populations age, conditions such as stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, migraine, and neuropathies continue to rise—yet access to timely neurology care and research opportunities has not kept pace. Strengthening front-line services, expanding clinic capacity, and funding patient-centered trials are essential to reduce avoidable disability and improve outcomes.

Canada faces persistent specialist bottlenecks and uneven access by province. Nationally reported wait times to see specialists and receive treatment are at record highs (median ~30 weeks from GP referral to treatment), delaying diagnosis and rehabilitation for neurological conditions where time matters. Pandemic-era pressures and workforce distribution issues have further prolonged waits and exacerbated regional inequities.

The U.S. has a growing shortfall of neurologists relative to need, with workforce analyses projecting widening gaps as the population ages. This mismatch already limits access, strains practices, and risks worse outcomes for patients who require complex, ongoing care.

Goals

The goal of this project is to support neurological recovery and care by ensuring stroke survivors and those facing dementia regain hope, function, and dignity through accessible, immersive, evidence-based health services.