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Rotman Research Institute: Year In Review 2017-2018

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RRI Scientist Dr. Jed Meltzer is fast-tracking the progress of up-and-coming treatments for incurable brain diseases and disorders thanks to his recent appointment as the Canada Research Chair in Interventional Cognitive Neuroscience. This prestigious position recognizes Dr. Meltzer as an exceptional emerging researcher and through his appointment, he will receive $500,000 over five years from the federal government. This funding will help Dr. Meltzer grow the use of brain stimulation as a treatment within medicine. Currently, this type of procedure is used as an established treatment for depression among patients who do not respond to medication. Previous studies have found encouraging results using a non-invasive, pain- free and targeted type of brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), to treat brain disorders, such as schizophrenia, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Brain stimulation can bolster the brain's natural processes of "rewiring" to fight the effects of stroke and dementia. Through the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), Dr. Meltzer is collaborating with RRI Clinician Scientist, Dr. Linda Mah, to test the effectiveness of deep TMS therapy, an innovative technology that allows stimulation to reach further within the brain's structure. RRI researchers will evaluate whether this intervention, developed by the Israeli firm Brainsway, can improve the mood and memory of older adults with both Alzheimer's disease and major depression. With up to 70 percent of people living with Alzheimer's disease also suffering from depression, this work could help brain stimulation become a regular treatment option for those individuals. 2017–2018 YEAR IN REVIEW 9 Visit us online to learn more about Dr. Jed Meltzer, Dr. Linda Mah, and other RRI scientists here. Accelerating the development of promising brain interventions

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