What is this Study about?

This randomized controlled study evaluates the efficacy of a hippocampus-targeted, computerized spatial memory intervention in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Participants (≥55 years) will be randomized to either (a) a spatial memory intervention program or (b) an active placebo. Primary outcomes are changes in memory and cognition from baseline to post-training and 6-month follow-up, assessed with standardized neuropsychological measures and validated spatial memory tasks. Secondary outcomes include everyday functioning, quality of life, perceived stress, and related psychosocial indices.  

A neuroimaging sub-study acquires structural MRI and task-based fMRI to quantify hippocampal morphometry and functional recruitment; we hypothesize training-related improvements will correlate with hippocampal structural/functional change. Exploratory biomarkers (lipids, glucose/insulin for HOMA-IR, cortisol) and polygenic risk scores for dementia are obtained to control inter-individual variability and potential moderators/mediators of training response. The central hypothesis is that sustained, strategy-level engagement of hippocampus-dependent spatial memory will improve cognitive performance in MCI and yield convergent MRI biomarker signatures, supporting experience-dependent plasticity and informing scalable, non-pharmacologic interventions for delaying cognitive decline. 

What is this Study about?

The aim of this study is to understand how people with dementia, family/friend carers and healthcare providers experience the Driving and Dementia Roadmap website. This website contains resources to help people in the decision-making about when to stop driving and adjust to life after driving. We are also interested in knowing how the Driving and Dementia Roadmap may impact how people manage stopping to drive. The findings of this study will be used to improve and ensure that resources, like the Driving and Dementia Roadmap will continue to be available for people with dementia and those who support them. 

What is this Study about?

This study explores the air travel experiences of people living with dementia and their travel companions. We want to understand moments that may feel stressful, confusing, or overwhelming when travelling by air. The information gathered will be used to create recommendations for airlines, airports, and policymakers, helping to make air travel more dementia-friendly, supportive, and enjoyable for people living with dementia and their families.

What is this Study about?

This study explores the hospital experiences of people living with dementia and their care partners, focusing on how hospital and emergency department processes and interactions, often influenced by dementia stigma, influence care quality and outcomes. Insights gathered through interviews will identify barriers and opportunities to improve hospital care for this population. Findings will be used to develop recommendations that promote more responsive, inclusive, and compassionate hospital practices for people living with dementia and their care partners.

What is this Study about?

This study will assess if an in-vehicle Driving Monitoring System can identify differences in driving behaviours between older adults who are cognitively healthy, those with mild cognitive impairment, and those with mild dementia. 

What is this Study about?

Help Us Improve Support for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

We are inviting caregivers, healthcare providers, community organizations, and Alzheimer’s societies to take part in a research study focused on improving support for people caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

What is this study about?
We know that caregiving is a journey that changes over time, but many caregivers don’t have access to tools or services that meet their evolving needs. This study aims to change that by bringing together caregivers and professionals to co-create practical resources and tools that support caregivers through each stage of the disease.

What will participation involve?
Participation will mostly take place virtually and includes online surveys, focus groups, and/or one-on-one interviews through secure platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. You’ll be asked about your experiences with caregiving and the services available to you. Later, we’ll host in-person co-design sessions to work together on building useful tools and guidance for caregivers.

Why join?
By participating, you’ll have the chance to reflect on your experience, identify gaps in current services, and help shape resources that better support caregivers like you. You may also learn about services you didn’t know existed. Your input will directly inform more responsive and timely support for caregivers and people living with Alzheimer’s.

What is this Study about?

This research aims to explore the perspectives of older adults living with dementia, providing a nuanced understanding of their experiences and challenges. Second, it seeks to investigate the role of physical activities in their lives, examining how engagement in such activities influences their cognitive function and mental well-being. Finally, this research aims to inform interventions and policies that can support older adults in maintaining their cognitive health and overall well-being.

The data will be used for the researcher’s master’s thesis, and for publishing peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed articles, conference presentations, webinars, and presentations for professionals.

What is this Study about?

This study aims to evaluate the acceptance and usability of the GuardIO Family Care app, a mobile application designed to support community safety for individuals living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their care partners. The study also aims to analyze mobility patterns collected from the app to explore how mobility data can contribute to the early detection of cognitive impairment. The findings will help improve app design, inform care strategies, and support early intervention efforts for individuals living with dementia or MCI.

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.