Women’s Brain Health Summit 2025
Summit Highlights
Day 1: Replay
A two-hour recap from the opening day of the inaugural Women’s Brain Health Summit.
Day 1 features WBHI President & CEO Lynn Posluns, Group Head, RBC Wealth Management Neil McLaughlin, Summit Co-Chairs Sandi & Jim Treliving, Dr. Liisa Galea, Chilina Kennedy, Academy-Award winner and Author Marcia Gay Harden in conversation with Cheryl Hickey, and MC Pattie Lovett-Reid.
00:00–39:54 — Lynn Posluns, Pattie Lovett-Reid, Neil McLaughlin, Sandi & Jim Treliving, and Dr. Liisa Galea open the Summit with reflections on women’s brain health and the purpose of the gathering.
39:55–57:20 — Chilina Kennedy delivers a powerful musical performance exploring resilience, strength, and emotional wellbeing.
57:23–2:01:15 — Marcia Gay Harden, in conversation with Cheryl Hickey, shares personal insights on lived experience, resilience, and brain health.
Day 2: Morning Replay
A 2-hour and 20-minute replay from the morning sessions of Day 2 at the inaugural Women’s Brain Health Summit.
00:00–10:51 — WBHI President & CEO Lynn Posluns opens Day 2, followed by Brainable Program Director Jade Crystal demonstrating four Stand Ahead Challenges to promote brain-healthy habits in honour of Women’s Brain Health Day.
10:52–1:13:57 — Dr. Lisa Genova and Dr. Samir Sinha, in conversation with Dr. Natasha Rajah, explore evidence-based strategies to reduce dementia risk.
1:13:57–2:05:29 — Dr. Pauline Maki and Dr. Wendy Wolfman, moderated by Dr. Marla Shapiro C.M., discuss menopause-related brain changes and cognitive health.
2:05:30–2:20:46 — Dr. Laura Middleton outlines the types of physical activity shown to support memory, mood, and long-term cognitive vitality.
Day 2: Replay
The Heart of Care
A 50-minute conversation from Day 2 of the Women’s Brain Health Summit.
In this intimate session, Emma Heming Willis joins Jeanne Beker for a candid conversation about caregiving, love, and navigating life after a dementia diagnosis. Emma shares her personal journey as a caregiver to her husband, Bruce Willis, and reflects on resilience, grief, and the importance of supporting caregivers.
Day 2: Replay
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
A 1-hour and 11-minute session from Day 2 of the Women’s Brain Health Summit.
00:00–1:06:14 — In this evidence-based discussion, Dr. Lori Bernstein, Dr. Gillian Einstein, and Dr. Susanna Mak, moderated by Dr. Vivien Brown, explore shared risk factors for dementia, heart disease, and cancer, with a focus on women’s unique biological and social risks and opportunities for prevention.
1:06:15–1:11:30 — Jennifer Publicover, Group Head, RBC Insurance, offers closing reflections on women’s leadership, self-advocacy, and the importance of addressing health and financial risks to advance women’s brain health.
Day 2: Replay
Laughing Matters: The Brain Boost of Comic Relief
A 25-minute session from Day 2 of the Women’s Brain Health Summit.
Did you know that just 10 minutes of laughter can burn up to 40 calories? This engaging session explores why humour matters for brain health and well-being. Award-winning comedian, actor, writer, and showrunner Carolyn Taylor brings the science to life through personal storytelling and comedy, including a candid reflection on perimenopause, showing how laughter can support resilience, connection, and mental health.
Day 2: Replay
Bright Minds, Bold Ideas: Student Research Finalists Showcase
A 17-minute session from the Women’s Brain Health Summit.
In this inspiring showcase, Dr. Erna Snelgrove-Clarke is joined by fellow judges Dr. Gillian Einstein, Dr. Jane Rylett, Dr. Viviane Poupon, Dr. Heidi Cramm, and Dr. Tim Mikkelsen to spotlight the next generation of brain health researchers.
Hear from the Top 3 Student Poster Finalists, Zoe Gandey, Krisha Malik, and Sasha Novozhilova, as they present bold ideas shaping the future of women’s brain health research.
Day 2: Replay
Dying of Politeness: Geena Davis on Power, Purpose, & Pushing Back
A one-hour conversation from Day 2 of the Women’s Brain Health Summit.
In this thought-provoking session, Geena Davis joins Lisa LaFlamme for an insightful conversation on representation, visibility, and the stories that shape how women see themselves at every stage of life. Together, they explore how media, power, and purpose intersect, and why elevating women’s voices and experiences, including women’s brain health, is essential to creating lasting change.
