What is this Study about?

YOD is dementia diagnosed before the age of 65 and consists of approximately 2-8% of all Canadian dementia cases (n = 28,000) (Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, 2023), whereas late onset dementia is dementia diagnosed after the age of 65 and occurs much more frequently than young onset dementia (n = 597,000) (Alzheimer Society of Canada, 2023). Research has found caregivers for persons living with YOD experience higher levels of caregiver related stress, feelings of social isolation, and psychological and financial hardships. Further, caregivers for persons living with young onset dementia are more likely to be negatively affected by stigma associated with dementia in comparison to caregivers of older adults with dementia (Blake & Hopper, 2022; Chiari et al., 2022; Climans et al., 2023). A diagnosis of young onset dementia is atypical within one’s life trajectory, with many individuals being employed full-time at the time of diagnosis. As such young onset dementia caregivers often face unique challenges such as balancing the demands of their caregiving roles with employment, becoming the sole providers financially (Flynn & Mulchay, 2015), and potentially having young children still at home (Lockridge & Simpson, 2013; Svanberg et al., 2011). Consequently, it is imperative for resources to be designed to directly meet the needs of young onset dementia caregivers. Within Canada, most community-based interventions are designed for older adults with dementia and their families, with limited programs designed specifically for persons living with young onset dementia and their caregivers (Alzheimer Society Canada, 2018; Giebel et al., 2020). As a result, persons living with YOD and caregivers/care partners often feel unsupported. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study will be to understand the experiences and needs of service providers when implementing services for individuals with young onset dementia and their families. Findings will be used to inform the development of more responsive and appropriate community-based supports. 

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?

The goal of this study is to explore the experiences of caregivers who are managing both their caregiving responsibilities and their own health needs, in order to better understand the challenges they face and to identify ways to improve support for them. The findings of this study are expected to help inform policy formation, intervention planning and design that addresses the unique needs of ill-caregivers. The knowledge generated through this study will enhance caregivers’ capacity and sustainability, thereby supporting their ability to deliver high-quality care to older adults while maintaining their essential role within the healthcare system.

What is this Study about?

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. Compassionate palliative care is essential for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. However, many families living in rural settings cannot access palliative care unless it is through virtual methods. This study aims to address these challenges by involving caregivers and healthcare professionals to co-design virtual palliative care support.

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?

This study explores Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a potential treatment for mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, the mild electrical stimulation is delivered to a part of the brain called the Pedunculopontine Nucleus (PPN), which helps regulate cognitive and sleep-related brain rhythms. The trial will recruit a small group of participants to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of DBS-PPN in treating AD. The goal of this study is to see if targeting this part of the brain with DBS can help people living with mild AD improve their memory, thinking skills, and sleep quality.

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?

Many older adults start to experience poorer sleep quality as they age, which can be associated with worse memory and cognition. Previous studies have shown that sleep can be improved when quiet sounds are presented at the right times during slow-wave sleep. We are interested in whether we can improve sleep and associated memory and cognitive function using these sounds in older adults. Information gathered from this study will be used to inform whether quiet sounds presented during slow-wave sleep can improve sleep, memory, and cognitive function.

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.