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?

This is the first part of a larger study focused on 50 couples. It builds on the findings of recent scientific studies and will determine if there is a difference in gut bacterial composition due to family history or inherited genetics. Live-in partners will serve as the control group. Participants provide a single saliva sample and a small amount of feces using a simple collection device. Participant-specific genetic information can be returned to participants if desired.

What is this Study about?

The goal of the first study of my PhD is to confirm if the results of the recent scoping review by O'Neil, Fletcher & Bryden are consistent with the lived experiences of caregivers/care partners and community program providers with respect to physical activity and/or social support.

Implications for this research include:

~ Provide information regarding the effects of physical activity and social support on the health of dementia caregivers/care partners

~ Serve as the foundation for the development of future resources to help sustain the health and well-being of this population.

The findings from this study will be collated into various research papers, presentations and posters. Further, the results will be used to help guide the direction of the primary researchers other projects within her PhD.

What is this Study about?

We aim to explore how gender, social, and sensory factors influence the experiences of people who are living with cognitive decline and their spouses. We will complete a 90-min in-person interview with dyads (people living with cognitive decline and their spouses). Individuals are eligible to participate if the older person or their spouse lives with memory problems, experiences hearing impairment, and if the dyad has ever lived together in the community. Results may help identify ways to support the well-being of individuals with cognitive impairment and their spouses, paving the way for future studies.

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?

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of receiving a dementia diagnosis in northwestern Ontario healthcare systems in order to improve the diagnosis process for others who may be diagnosed in the future, and physicians/health care providers who diagnose people with dementia.

What is this Study about?

Informal caregivers provide much-needed support to friends, family and loved ones suffering from dementia and related conditions who continue to live at home. Smart home technologies allow providers and caregivers to monitor patients while simultaneously aiding with daily tasks such as remembering to take medications. Although smart home technology has become a common intervention with many benefits, there is very little evidence surrounding informal caregivers’ thoughts, perceptions and needs when patients are utilizing this intervention. There is a necessity to gather insights from this user group to increase uptake and proper use.