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 objective of this study is to understand: (1) what community-based interventions caregivers/care partners for persons living with young onset dementia (i.e., dementia diagnosed under the age of 65) are accessing across Southern Ontario; (2) caregivers/care partners perceptions towards the community-based interventions they have accessed; and (3) the reasons, if any, for not accessing community-based interventions.

The results of this study will be used to help inform the development and enhancement of community-based interventions for persons living with YOD and their caregivers/care partners, and is a part of my PhD dissertation.

What is this Study about?

The purpose of this study is to measure the difference in time to developing or worsening memory, thinking, or functional problems due to Alzheimer's disease occurring in participants receiving study drug compared to placebo.

Participation could last up to 255 weeks including screening, a double-blind treatment period, and a double-blind observation period. In addition, eligible participants who receive placebo during the double-blind treatment period may choose to extend their study participation to receive open-label remternetug in an extension period.

What is this Study about?

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of DataDay, a digital self-management application, in improving the quality of life of patients and caregivers. In this respect, we aim to identify the benefits and challenges to the app’s usability and impact on health outcomes and quality of life for these individuals.

The information gathered from this study concerning the impact on patient and caregiver quality of life, as well as the feasibility and usability of the app will inform future iterations of the app.

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?

Increasing evidence shows that listening to music from childhood and early adulthood can help recall meaningful events from the past. Importantly, people with dementia have shown to benefit from listening to personally meaningful music, suggesting that musical memory remains preserved. However, the underlying mechanisms by which music improves memory remains unclear.

My research addresses the impact of an autobiographically salient music listening program on memory and brain activity in mild cognitive impairment. Understanding how brainwave activity in this population may differ, will help elucidate mechanisms of music listening that lead to cognitive improvements, ultimately providing insight into musical memory preservation and how it can be leveraged.

Participants will undergo cognitive testing and measure brainwave activity via EEG, a non-invasive neuroimaging method. Participants will be provided an online link (or CD if they do not have wifi) to access their personalized music playlist and will be asked to listen for two weeks at home (20 mins/day, minimum 5 days/wk). Repeated cognitive and EEG assessment will help determine changes in brain function.

What is this Study about?

‘Bootle Blast’ combines therapy and video games. It has been used with children and youth with musculoskeletal disabilities in clinics and homes. Preliminary research supports Bootle Blast’s ability to engage players and support physical outcomes. Informal testing suggests it may also appeal to older adults. This study will test Bootle Blast’s feasibility with people with dementia. Pairs of people with dementia and their caregivers (n=10) will play Bootle Blast at home for 2 weeks. Data will include video recordings, surveys, balance tests, safety and adherence tracking, and interviews. This study aims to inform a more accessible version of Bootle Blast.

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?

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/study partners will have the option of taking part in the study and providing feedback regarding the VR intervention. This project will explore how VR can be used as a non-pharmacological approach to prolong aging in place for individuals with BPSD, as BPSD contributes to rates of institutionalization. This will take place completely remotely, in your own home.