Scientists at the Rotman Research Institute, part of the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education (BARE), are driving innovations in detecting and treating Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Read on to learn about some of their latest research and findings. Dementia Detection and Diagnosis Increasing the accessibility of cognitive assessments When it comes to identifying problems with memory and attention, research findings suggest that the Baycrest-developed Brain Health Assessment is as accurate as the widely used Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). In addition, the Brain Health Assessment is self-administered and available online, making it much easier to use than the MoCA, which requires a clinician. Read more. Changes in heart rate as an indicator of brain health Did you know your heart rate may reveal important information about your brain health? Baycrest scientists are working to identify an innovative, accessible way to detect cognitive decline earlier using heart rate variability (HRV) – that is, the beat-to-beat change in an individual’s heart rate. ECGs can measure HRV and are readily available in clinical settings, making them more accessible than brain imaging. In time, individuals could even monitor their own HRV and dementia risk using their personal devices, such as smart watches. Read more (page 8). Tracking eye movements to detect changes in memory Baycrest researchers spearhead innovative new cognitive assessment approaches based on the finding that eye movements play a functional role in memory retrieval. Current assessment methods often require good command of the English language, which can be a problem in a multicultural city like Toronto. However, with eye tracking, clinicians can just look at a person’s eyes without no speaking. Read more. Dementia Treatment and Care Optimizing brain stimulation for dementia Among the most promising treatments for symptoms of dementia is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which involves passing a mild current of electricity through the brain while the patient is awake. Baycrest scientists are working to predict who will benefit from tDCS and optimize the use of this intervention for people living with dementia. Read more (page 9). Low-level laser therapy for brain health Currently, many brain health therapies require patients to travel to a clinic or hospital regularly. However, a Baycrest Senior Scientist is investigating low-level laser therapy, which could easily be used at home, increasing the accessibility of brain health treatments to benefit more older adults. In low-level laser therapy, an infrared laser travels through the skull to improve blood flow in the brain. Watch this video to learn more. Examining the impact of depression treatment on brain health Baycrest researchers are studying how cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), the gold-standard talk treatment for depression, impacts the brain health of older adult caregivers. Results will help clinicians optimize the use of CBT to improve the lives of the millions of Canadians living with depression, in turn helping reduce their risk of dementia. Read more. Reducing hospital admissions with virtual dementia care Developed by a Baycrest scientist, Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) is an innovative dementia care program that can reduce the need for hospital admissions by 60 per cent for individuals living with severe symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. VBM allows clinicians to assess and manage patients while they remain in their homes. This avoids unnecessary and upsetting changes in their environment. Read more.