The Alzheimer Society Research Portal connects researchers with Canadians looking to participate in research studies. On this website, find active studies that you can participate in to help advance research on dementia.
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- Observational StudyOnline
What is this Study about?
This study examines how Black family caregivers in the Greater Toronto Area experience and access social support while caring for a relative living with dementia. Using Straussian Grounded Theory informed by Critical Theory and Intersectionality, the research explores how factors such as race, culture, gender, and community shape caregiving experiences and support-seeking behaviours. Findings will be used to develop theory grounded in the lived experiences of Black caregivers, and to inform more culturally responsive dementia care policies, services, and supports across Canada. This study has been approved by the York University Research Ethics Board (Protocol 130, April 2026).
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to participate if you:
- self-identify as Black (for example, African, Caribbean, Black Canadian, Afro-Latin, or another Black identity)
- are 18 years of age or older
- live in the Greater Toronto Area
- provide unpaid care to a family member living with dementia
- can speak and understand English well enough to take part in an interview
Recruitment End Date
- Observational StudyOnline
What is this Study about?
We developed a resource to support substitute decision-makers as they work through issues related to the sexual expression of individuals living with dementia in long-term care homes. The purpose of this pilot is to evaluate and assess how the content and format of the resource is received by a sample of substitute decision-makers and longterm care staff members. Through online surveys, we will be seeking feedback related to accessibility, potential usefulness in practice, effectiveness in increasing awareness and preparedness to address issues related to sexual expression.
Eligibility Criteria
- are a substitute decision-maker of a person living with dementia in residential long-term care in Alberta or Ontario OR someone currently working with people living with dementia in residential long-term care in Alberta or Ontario;
- are a person who is 18 years of age or older;
- are a person able to read and write in English
Recruitment End Date
- Observational StudyOnline
What is this Study about?
This study looks at how an at-home nature-based virtual reality (VR) program may help people living with Alzheimer’s Disease manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as depression. Caregivers and/or study partners will have the option of taking part in the study and providing feedback regarding the VR intervention. This project will explore how virtual reality can be used as a non-pharmacological approach to prolong aging in place for individuals with BPSD, as BPSD contributes to rates of institutionalization.
Eligibility Criteria
- Are 50 years or older
- Have been diagnosed with mild to early-moderate Alzheimer's disease (including mixed dementia)
- Are medically stable and able to take part safely
- Experience mild to moderate depressive symptoms
- Feel comfortable using basic technology, such as a tablet or headset
- Have access to Wi-Fi and a smart device (such as a phone or tablet) for online sessions and study apps
- Have someone available to be present during all study sessions
Recruitment End Date
- Observational StudyOnline
What is this Study about?
This research study focuses on resilience, defined as a trajectory in which an individual can not only adapt but enhance and grow in challenging circumstances. This research aims to: 1) explore resilience-related behaviours in the context of informal Plwd caregiving by examining which behaviours are related to resiliency and how these behaviours are meaningful to caregivers and 2) determine the role of environmental and individual factors in resiliency of caregivers of Plwd. I gave begun the first part of this study, will involved forming a caregiver research partner team to help to identify potential behaviours, characteristics and resources that promote resiliency in caregivers. They have worked with me in further developing research questions and methodology for a large-scale survey study, which I am recruiting for now. Choice of survey measures will be guided by both previous literature and research partner input. This research also includes a cognitive component in order to ascertain the role of cognitive abilities in resiliency. The results of this research will assist in determining the most appropriate social and community supports for caregivers of Plwd and the individual, cognitive, psychological, and social factors that need to be considered when determining suitability between specific supports and individual caregivers. Improving supports for caregivers will improve both caregiver and PlwD health and well-being, and allow Plwd to live at home for longer.
Eligibility Criteria
- You are currently an unpaid caregiver for someone living with dementia in Canada
- You have been in this caregiving role for at least 1 year
- The person you care for may live with you, in their own home or in long-term care
- You must be able to complete an online questionnaire in English
- You have access to an internet connection and device
Recruitment End Date
- Observational StudyIn-Person
What is this Study about?
Compass-ND is a research study designed to assess individuals with different sorts of cognitive and movement changes seen in older adults. We will look at the usefulness of imaging studies, clinical assessments and biomarker tests, together with measurements of memory, thinking and daily functioning, for distinguishing these changes from each other and from healthy aging.
Eligibility Criteria
- are between the ages 60-90
- have up to grade 12 education
- have an individual (spouse, friend, or relative), called a “study partner,” who is willing to:
- Accompany you to the study visits
- Communicate to the study staff of changes in your health status over the period of this study
Recruitment End Date
- Observational StudyIn person & Online
What is this Study about?
This study is part of a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) research program that seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of CBT in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in mid-to-late life, especially as MDD is a key risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. As inflammation has recently been linked to MDD, and CBT has been demonstrated to reduce inflammation, this study also aims to understand the role of inflammation in MDD severity and in the likelihood of response to CBT.
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to participate if you:
1) Are between 40-75 years old, inclusive.
2) Meet diagnosis of a major depressive episode determined through a structured clinical interview conducted by the study clinical psychologist
3) Are currently experiencing a major depressive episode of at least 3 months in length.
4) Have the ability to understand and comply with the requirements of the study, as judged by the investigator(s).
Recruitment End Date
- Observational StudyOnline
What is this Study about?
This study explores the experiences of family and friends of long-term care residents. It focuses on how they experience stress, burden, and mental health challenges, and how a single-session online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or educational materials may help. We will use the information gathered from questionnaires and interventions to understand the effectiveness of these supports and to develop recommendations for improving resources, strategies, and interventions to better meet the needs of family and friends, helping them manage stress and maintain wellbeing while caring for someone in long-term care.
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to participate if you:
- are at least 18 years old
- currently reside in Canada
- have a family member or friend who currently lives in long-term care
- are not currently receiving psychological treatment
Recruitment End Date
- Observational StudyIn person & Online
What is this Study about?
This study explores the experience of family and friend caregivers when they are supporting a person living with dementia to discharge from hospital including the emergency room. It focuses on how caregivers experience discharge planning processes and policies, how their perspectives and needs are considered at this key time, and the impacts upon the person they care for and themself in the 6 months after a hospital stay. We will used findings to develop recommendations to improve understanding of the role, needs and rights of caregivers as they care for people who live with dementia in the community.
Eligibility Criteria
Caregivers:
- are the primary family or friend caregiver of a person living with dementia who lives/lived in the community
- the care recipient was in hospital including the emergency room and discharged to the community within the last 3 years
- you provided care between 0-3 years ago
- you provided care in Ottawa or the surrounding 200 km
- you are comfortable taking part in a 60-minute interview in English, French or in a different language (translation services are available)
- the care recipient did not have an acute life limiting condition such as terminal cancer for the entire duration of your journey of providing care.
Social Workers
- are a social worker who currently or within the last 3 years worked with people living with dementia who are discharging or who discharged from a health care facility. This may include hospital and community-based social workers.
- you work in Ottawa or the surrounding 200 km
- you have worked a minimum of 3 months in this role
Recruitment End Date
- Observational StudyIn person & Online
What is this Study about?
This study explores how adult day programs affect the lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers across several Canadian regions. Over time, we gather information about health, well-being, daily experiences, and quality of life of people living with dementia who attend day program and their caregivers. We also aim to learn about day programs themselves, such as their activities, staffing, challenges, and successes. By combining surveys, interviews, and focus groups, our program of research aims to understand what makes day programs helpful, where challenges exist, and how day program can better support families, and people who use them.
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to participate if you:
• Are an older adult living with dementia who attends or does not attend a day program
• You are a family/friend caregiver of someone living with dementia who attends or does not attend a day program
• Live in one of the participating regions (Ontario, Winnipeg MB, Calgary AB, or Interior BC)
• Are able to take part in a conversation or complete surveys, with support if needed
Recruitment End Date
Alzheimer Society of Canada
20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M4R 1K8
Telephone: 1-800-616-8816
Email: [email protected]
Charity registration number: 11878 4925 RR0001
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