Event summary produced by The Globe and Mail Events team. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.

Women’s mental and brain health is under pressure across Canada, due in part to factors such as cognitive load and caregiving pressures, hormonal transitions, job-related stress and burnout.

The challenge is even sharper for women who are part of marginalized groups and those with lower socioeconomic standing.

What solutions and approaches will close the gaps in prevention, awareness and care?

On September 28, 2026, The Globe and Mail event Women’s Mental and Brain Health: From awareness brought together leading experts, healthcare providers, advocates and community leaders to examine the evolving science and lived experiences shaping women’s mental and brain health.

Missed the event or would like to view the discussions again? Watch the full replay, below.

Speakers highlighted strategies to raise awareness, close persistent gaps in care and advance more effective, holistic approaches to prevention and long-term resilience.

Welcome Remarks

Kristy Kirkup, National Health Reporter, The Globe and Mail

Opening Remarks

Karen Sullivan, President and COO, Chartwell Retirement Residences              

Mind the Gap – Why women’s brain health can’t wait

Dr. Liisa Galea,  Ph.D. FCAHS Treliving Family Chair in Women’s Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Professor, University of Toronto    

This presentation outlined the urgent need to close the women’s mental and brain health research gap, identified current research blind spots and demonstrated how to advance more equitable and targeted prevention, diagnosis and care for women in Canada.

How are Mental Health and Brain Health Connected Across a Woman’s Life?

Dr. Sara Mitchell, MD FRCPC MPH, Cognitive Neurologist; Deputy Chief, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreDr. Crystal T. Clark, MD, MSc, Head, Department of Psychiatry and Canada Research Chair in Reproductive Mental Health, Women’s College HospitalModerator: Kristy Kirkup, National Health Reporter, The Globe and Mail

This conversation brought together leading experts in psychiatry and neurology to examine the relationship between mental health and brain health and explored how these connections shape women’s experiences at every stage of life.

Rethinking Concussion Through a Women’s Health Lens

Dr. Carmela Tartaglia, M.D., FRCPC, Neurologist | Marion & Gerald Soloway Chair in Brain Injury & Concussion Research, UHN Krembil Brain Institute

This presentation outlined how brain injuries affect women differently, why symptoms can be overlooked and how earlier recognition and treatment can lead to better outcomes.

Interview: The Invisible Cost of Care – What are women experiencing? 

Kearie Daniel, Founder and Executive Director, Black Women’s Institute for HealthSharon Ranalli, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Chartwell Retirement ResidencesModerator: Ann Hui, Generations Reporter, The Globe and Mail

This interview explored how caregiving responsibilities affect women’s mental and brain health across different stages of life, the social and systemic factors that can intensify these challenges, and the actions needed to ensure caregivers receive the support, resources, and recognition they need and deserve.

Prevention Strategies – Supporting lifelong mental wellness and brain health

Laura Middleton, Associate Professor & Schlegel Research Chair in Dementia and Active Living, Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo & Schlegel-UW Research Institute for AgingChristina Scicluna, CEO,  Alzheimer Society of CanadaAlpa Shah, MS, RDN Senior Director, Medical & Scientific Affairs, HaleonModerator: Sandra Martin, Standards Editor, The Globe and Mail

This panel explored practical solutions and approaches to support women’s mental resilience, cognitive health and wellbeing, from early intervention to lifestyle changes, education and community-based supports.

Fireside Chat: Advocacy, Leadership and the Future of Women’s Brain Health

Lynn Posluns, Founder and President of Women’s Brain Health InitiativeModerator: Kristy Kirkup, National Health Reporter, The Globe and Mail

This conversation explored the power of advocacy, public engagement and bold leadership and how research, communities, workplaces and health systems can work together to build momentum for change – moving women’s brain health from growing awareness to national priority.

The Globe and Mail presented the event with sponsor support from Chartwell Retirement Residences and Haleon.