Meet our researcher: Erica Dove

Erica Dove, a University of Toronto PhD student, became interested in dementia research after her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Erica’s research is focused on using technology to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia.

With funding she received from the Alzheimer Society Research Program’s Doctoral Award, Erica plans to design and test an exer-game (a video game you play by moving), aimed at improving balance and reducing falls. People with dementia are up to 8 times more likely to fall than older adults without dementia. Falling can lead to life-altering injuries and loss of independence. Erica hopes her exer-game program provides people touched by dementia with a safe and accessible way to stay active and engaged.

For more on the research you make possible, visit alzheimer.ca/Research.