Baycrest Health Sciences & Baycrest Foundation Publications
Issue link: http://baycrest.uberflip.com/i/1174080
Celebrating 30 Years One of the brains behind the Rotman Research Institute It was a simple phone call that led one of the most influential cognitive psychologists in the field, Dr. Fergus Craik, to help pioneer Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute (RRI) three decades ago. Dr. Craik became one of the first scientists appointed to the RRI, where he continued his exploration of memory changes in the aging brain, work that he began with the Medical Research Council in the United Kingdom. As an RRI Senior Scientist, Dr. Craik's work has greatly impacted our understanding of how memories are created and how they change with age. Dr. Craik, who was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, discovered that older adults have difficulty remembering information without hints or reminders, but once these are provided, such as in their living environment, their ability to remember is greatly enhanced. This theory can be seen in practice when individuals with Alzheimer's disease or dementia are encouraged to bring familiar items with them when moving into long-term care homes to help ease their transition. While officially retired from his full- time position, Dr. Craik continues to assist in a landmark study exploring the possible protective effect of bilingualism in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease symptoms. Pioneer in linking food to brain health The saying, "You are what you eat," speaks to our brain health too. This has become common knowledge thanks to breakthroughs by Dr. Carol Greenwood, RRI Senior Scientist. Her research advanced our understanding of how eating habits affect cognitive and brain health and how to adapt meal practices for individuals with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Greenwood's work is a prime example of bench-to-bedside science. Through her research, she emphasized the importance of healthy eating, including the benefits of low-saturated fat diets and limiting sugar to preserve glucose regulation to maintain memory function among healthy individuals. These findings were shared with the public through the publication of the first brain health cookbook, Mindfull, and the development of Canada's first Brain Health Food Guide. Her research also found that serving easily consumed, high carbohydrate meals during dinner led to greater food intake by residents and increased their energy levels, especially among those with greater cognitive and behavioural disturbances. Although retired from her full-time position, Dr. Greenwood continues to be an active team member of the CCNA's clinical trial exploring exercise and diet changes to prevent dementia. Dr. Fergus Craik Dr. Carol Greenwood 28 ROTMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE