Psychologist wins major research award

Dr. Holly Tuokko, a psychologist with UVic's Centre on Aging, has won the Senior Investigator Award from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR).

With this highly competitive award, Tuokko will receive $350,000 over five years to lighten her teaching load and help focus more of her attention on studying issues related to mental health and aging.

"This is a wonderful honour," says Tuokko, "especially when you consider that it's national recognition of psycho-social research in the field of mental health and aging and it's the only award of its type to be sponsored by the CIHR Institute on Aging this year."

Tuokko researches diverse issues associated with an aging and, sometimes, deteriorating mind. Currently, she's studying the evolution of cognitive disorders in older adults and the impact of these disorders on functional competencies. These include driving skills, financial management and the types of understanding necessary to consent to health care and other forms of assistance.

"The fundamental goal of the CIHR Institute on Aging is the advancement of knowledge to improve the quality of life and the health of older Canadians," says Dr. Anne-Cécile Desfaits, the institute's assistant director of programs and planning.

"Dr. Tuokko's work touches upon several priority areas for research on aging, and that's why we're so proud to provide multi-year support. Ultimately, we hope her work will help play a role in ensuring that Canadians continue to lead satisfying and productive lives well into their late years."

CIHR is Canada's premier federal agency for health research. Its senior investigator program contributes to the salary of investigators of exceptional merit who are international leaders in their field.