Baycrest

Trailblazer in memory systems The work by RRI Adjunct Senior Scientist, Dr. Endel Tulving, has been described as having "the greatest impact of any single scientist on the understanding of human memory," by the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. Dr. Tulving's theories on memory laid the foundation for the entire field of memory research. His work has had a tremendous impact on how we understand and diagnose neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. He also revolutionized the way cognitive neuroscientists think about memory. He is best known for his research identifying that each person has multiple types of memory: 1) Episodic memory – when individuals remember specific details of situations that happened before, such as parts of their wedding day or their child's first birthday party. 2) Semantic memory – when individuals remember general facts, such as their knowledge of how bad traffic can be during rush hour, which leads them to leave for work at a certain time. By studying patients with brain damage and conducting pioneering neuroimaging studies, Dr. Tulving demonstrated that these types of memories are supported by distinct brain systems. Dr. Tulving led a distinguished career and his contributions to the field earned him numerous awards and distinctions, among them an Officer of the Royal Society of Canada, an Officer of the Order of Canada, a Gairdner International award, and honorary memberships in numerous organizations. Leader in cognitive neuroscience methods The field of cognitive neuroscience has changed dramatically over the years. The work done by RRI Senior Scientist, Dr. Gordon Winocur, led the way in pioneering innovative approaches and pushing the boundaries of how neuroscientists study the brain. Through his research methods, Dr. Winocur was able to gain a better understanding of the role of specific brain regions and their relationships with different types of memory and related cognitive functions. His work, with humans and animal models, demonstrated how cognitive decline and dementia are caused by brain deterioration due to age, disease, or trauma, combined with lifestyle factors. His discoveries inspired the development of successful treatment programs that rehabilitate cognitive problems and promote well-being in older adults with memory loss. Although he has retired from his full- time position, Dr. Winocur continues to study the memory and thinking problems experienced by cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy, mental changes collectively known as the condition, chemobrain. His work has shown that the condition may be improved through a combination of behavioural and drug interventions. Dr. Endel Tulving Dr. Gordon Winocur 2018–2019 YEAR IN REVIEW 29

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