Baycrest

Baycrest researchers are playing a leading role, as CCNA members, in two clinical trials exploring the benefits of lifestyle interventions. Keeping the brain challenged to stay healthy One of the trials is the first study to compare the brain health benefits of cognitive training and its implementation of three engaging types of leisure activities: music lessons, language lessons, and documentary discussion groups. Numerous studies have shown that older adults who have pursued higher education and who engage in mentally stimulating careers and hobbies are at lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. "As researchers seek to better understand neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, and develop appropriate treatments, more and more evidence suggests that changes to a person's lifestyle could reduce their risk of developing the disorder," says Dr. Nicole Anderson, Senior Scientist at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute (RRI), lead Baycrest investigator on the CCNA cognitive training and engaging leisure clinical trial, and clinical trial team leader of an exercise intervention. "In the absence of treatment, we need to think of ways to protect our brain health earlier and build up this protective factor, known as cognitive reserve, as a potential way to prevent Alzheimer's disease," says Dr. Anderson. How physical activity impacts the brain The other clinical trial is exploring the benefits of exercise. Exercise can reduce a person's risk of developing dementia. There is also evidence that it can improve a person's memory and thinking skills and even reverse some of the damage done to the brain during aging or due to brain disorders. "Our couch potato lifestyles are unhealthy for our brains," says Dr. Carol Greenwood, RRI Senior Scientist. "Physical activity not only helps with the growth of new brain cells, it also helps those cells become integrated into a person's brain networks, which are then used to complete everyday tasks." Dementia Research: Prevention REDUCING THE RISK OF DEMENTIA THROUGH LIFESTYLE CHANGES There is no cure yet for dementia; but one day, a family doctor could prescribe a specific diet, an exercise regime, music or language lessons, or documentary discussion groups as treatments to help prevent the disease. Dr. Nicole Anderson and a volunteer 8 ROTMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE

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