What is this Study about?

McMaster University, in partnership with Ressam Gardens Memory Care Community, is conducting a study on the effects of brain stimulation in individuals aged 50 and older with dementia or memory loss. The research focuses on using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive technique that delivers magnetic pulses to the brain, to enhance cognitive function and balance. The goal is to extend the positive effects of brain stimulation in improving cognition and balance in individuals with dementia.

What is this Study about?

The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of the Nighttime Insomnia Treatment and Education for Canadians with Alzheimer’s Disease (NITE-CAD) program. NITE-CAD is a 6-week lifestyle intervention program aimed to improve sleep in people living with dementia by supporting their care partners. The information gathered will be used to improve the program for future offerings.

What is this Study about?

Focus groups will discuss lived experiences making decisions about end of life nutrition care with residents living in long-term care to explore strengths or gaps in care that can be leveraged or addressed. Focus group discussions will be used to co-produce resources to support residents and family members with end of life nutrition care decision making (e.g., clinical pathways, decision-trees, patient and family education tools, etc).

What is this Study about?

This study will uncover how bilingualism supports healthy cognitive aging by examining the influence of different language experiences on the timing and location of brain network activity. We will examine the timing of brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG; i.e., recordings of electrical brain activity) and the location of brain activity using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; i.e., images of activity in different parts of the brain). Different language experience factors will additionally be explored. By measuring multiple factors (e.g., the age of second language learning, language proficiency) the effect(s) of different language experiences on the brain and cognition will become clearer.

What is this Study about?

This research study examines how online search result accuracy affects people's evaluation of medical treatments, focusing on older adults with potential digital literacy challenges. Using eye-tracking, screen logging, think-aloud protocols, and interviews, the study explores how search accuracy influences judgment. The goal is to optimize trustworthy health websites and create user-friendly interfaces, enhancing health information literacy among older adults. By analyzing attention patterns, thought processes, and search result interactions, researchers aim to understand how older adults make health-related judgments online. This will inform development of search engines better suited for older adults seeking health information.

What is this Study about?

In this study we aim to explore the motivations and impacts of disclosure a personal diagnosis of dementia or being a care partner on social media. The overall goal of the study is to develop an evidence-based resource to promote benefits of social media for the dementia community while minimizing its harms.

What is this Study about?

Early detection of brain changes is crucial to prevent cognitive decline and dementia. This study uses electroencephalography (EEG) to record the brain's electrical signals during simple tasks, with the hope of validating a measure that can improve early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

We are recruiting 150 individuals with mild memory issues and mild dementia at Baycrest in Toronto and Bruyère in Ottawa. In a separate study we are also recruiting older adults with no memory problems. The results of both studies together will help us determine if our new EEG measure can detect abnormal changes in brain health early on and if it can help predict future cognitive changes. We hope that this new test will be used in the clinic to identify individuals who may benefit the most from early treatment and interventions.

What is this Study about?

CAN-PROTECT is a Canada-wide online study recruiting participants and caregivers of persons with dementia to explore how lifestyle, background, and caretaking factors affect our health, quality of life, cognition, behaviour, and function as we age. CAN-PROTECT data will be analyzed and jointly published by the University of Calgary in partnership with the University of Exeter.

What is this Study about?

This study aims to understand the needs and experiences of caregivers in managing medications for people living with dementia (PLWD) to enhance future resources. In stage one, caregivers of PLWD will be interviewed to gain insights into their needs and preferences for resources. In stage two, healthcare providers from various backgrounds and settings will be interviewed to understand how they support medication management for PLWD.

By understanding caregivers' experiences and needs in medication management, this study strives to contribute to the development of improved resources for caregivers. Ultimately, improving medication management practices has the potential to enhance the quality of life and health outcomes for both PLWD and their caregivers. By empowering caregivers with effective tools and resources, we contribute not only to the well-being of individual caregivers and care recipients but also to the broader societal goal of fostering a supportive and sustainable healthcare system for those affected by dementia.