McGill Cares - Multiple Sclerosis and the Brain: From Diagnosis to Digital Innovation

Étienne de Villers-Sidani, MDCM, FRCP(C), is a neurologist, neuroscientist, and entrepreneur, and Director of the Cognitive Disorders Clinic at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital). He is also an associate professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University. His research focuses on how aging and neurological disorders affect brain function, and on developing innovative strategies, including brain training and digital biomarkers, to preserve and restore cognitive health. A central focus of his work is the use of eye movement biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. As founder of Innodem Neurosciences, he is committed to bringing these technologies into clinical practice to improve access to high-quality neurological care.During this episode of McGill Cares, Dr. de Villers-Sidani will explore multiple sclerosis (MS), one of the most common neurological diseases affecting young adults in Canada. He will explain how MS impacts the brain over time, including its effects on cognition, and how it can sometimes resemble other conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. He will also discuss emerging innovations in neurological monitoring, including how simple eye movement tests performed on a tablet can detect subtle changes in brain function. These approaches offer new and accessible ways to track disease progression in real time. Throughout the talk, he will highlight how informed and empowered patients can play a central role in improving their own care and outcomes.This free webcast is available in both ENGLISH and FRENCH.April 15, 2026