What is this Study about?

Behavioral and emotional changes often accompany dementia and are a leading cause of long-term care placement, even more so than cognitive decline. This study is the first to explore how family caregivers make treatment decisions in response to these emotional and behavioural symptoms. We are interested in understanding whether caregivers turn to medications, consider non-pharmacological strategies such as environmental modifications, or use a combination of both. Using a quantitative behavioural economics model, this study will examine how caregivers weigh the risks and benefits of different treatment options. We are particularly interested in decision-making related to dopaminergic medications (formerly known as “antipsychotics”), which are commonly prescribed despite known risks for people with dementia. The information gathered will help guide the development of resources to better support family caregivers in navigating treatment decisions. Participation involves completing an anonymous online survey and is open to family caregivers involved in medical decision-making for a relative or close friend with dementia.

What is this Study about?

Participants will take part in a one-on-one interview (in person or online) to share thoughts on reminders and changes in behavior that should be tracked by the system. Interviews will last about 60 minutes. A short follow-up (20 minutes or less) may also be requested later to provide extra feedback on the system’s design.

What is this Study about?

This study is testing a digital reminder system for people living with dementia. The system sends alerts when daily routines change and collects feedback from caregivers. The goal is to improve the system’s design and usefulness. Results will help make reminder tools more supportive for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

What is this Study about?

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of CARES-D for physiotherapists on learner knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in dementia. We will administer online questionnaires to practicing rehabilitation professionals in Canada who work with individuals with dementia to: 1) Assess changes in rehabilitation professionals' knowledge about dementia; 2) Evaluate shifts in attitudes toward individuals with dementia; 3) Measure improvements in confidence in managing dementia care; 4) Gather participant feedback on the CARES-D training program; 5) Compare pre- and post-training outcomes to determine the program's effectiveness.

What is this Study about?

We are conducting three separate studies to explore the effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or Primary Progressive Aphasia. tDCS is a non-invasive therapy that uses low electrical currents to stimulate specific areas of the brain. Previous research has suggested that tDCS can improve symptoms such as language difficulties and may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Our studies aim to investigate these effects in different contexts, including language therapy and overall mental abilities. Upon completion, participants will receive their study results to help guide their decisions about whether tDCS could be part of a long-term therapy plan.

What is this Study about?

The study involves a primary session of paper-and-pencil tasks, and a second session of a computer task, while your heart rate and brain activity is monitored. The aim of the study is to examine how signals are affected from the body to the brain.

What is this Study about?

By understanding the perspectives of various stakeholders involved in dementia care within Ontario health teams, we aim to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with dementia in Ontario.

What is this Study about?

In collaboration with our South Asian community collaborators, our goal is to gain an in-depth understanding of new immigrant, multigenerational, South Asian family caregiving for a relative with dementia amidst COVID-19. The goal is to inform future family-centered, healthcare interventions aimed at supporting equity deserving families during times of crisis.

To achieve our goal, we are starting to recruit family care partners living in a multigenerational home and caring for a relative with dementia from each of the four groups of South Asian families. We will be using a multiple case study to examine new immigrant, multigenerational caregiving for a relative with dementia from the perspective of four groups of South Asian families; 1) Pakistani, 2) Bangladeshi, 3) Indian, and 4) Sri Lankan. We will also be using secondary data sources, including genograms, ecoMaps, and key documents.

We will be conducting interviews with a family care partners from each of the four groups. Following these interviews, we will hold four focus groups with a new purposeful sample of South Asian multigenerational care partners to understand if the findings from the interviews reflect their caregiving experiences thereby increasing the reliability of the study findings.

What is this Study about?

Seeking individuals with mild, early-stage dementia ages 65+ to explore how they access daily information like weather forecasts and newspapers. The study aims to improve information accessibility for the dementia community. Participation involves a 60-90 minute session (in-person or via Zoom with caregiver) observing information access behaviors. Findings will guide strategies for making information more comprehensible and accessible. Participants will receive $50 for their time. This study is approved by York University’s ethics committee (#2024-176). For details, contact Dr. Somang Nam at [email protected].