Baycrest

We Discover HARNESSING THE BRAIN'S POWER TO HEAL ITSELF Last March, 400 scientists, clinicians and academics from all over the world met in Toronto for a three-day conference hosted by the Rotman Research Institute (RRI). The meeting focused on important findings in two related fields – brain plasticity and neurorehabilitation – which are yielding new ways to help people affected by stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, Parkinson's disease and depression. Brain plasticity is the ability of the brain and nervous system to change or reorganize over time. Research is now showing that, under the right circumstances, plasticity can allow an injured brain and nervous system to self-heal. Neurorehabilitation refers to therapies that improve quality of life after brain damage occurs. Specific types of training and brain stimulation combined with behavioural therapy are used. The goal is to restore lost or damaged functions such as speech or comprehension, or to help people compensate by enhancing other skills. "We believe this is the next exciting frontier in medicine," said conference co-chair Dr. Deirdre Dawson, a senior scientist at RRI. "Our progress 125+ articles published by Rotman Research Institute scientists last year. 18 BAYCREST & BAYCREST FOUNDATION www.baycrest.org in treating many neurological and psychiatric disorders is rooted in understanding the basic mechanisms of neuroplasticity." Although the idea that the brain can change is not new, evidence showing these changes in the adult brain is more recent. The belief was that therapy for people with brain damage was restricted to helping them compensate for their difficulties and learning to accept their limitations. But there is now clear evidence that the adult brain can alter existing neural pathways and even create new ones. This holds enormous implications for the diagnosis, treatment and management of many health problems. "This year's conference shows our commitment to translational research by bringing eminent scientists from all over the world to discuss not only the foundational science of cognition and memory, but its enormous potential for rehabilitation," said Dr. Randy McIntosh, vice-president of Research and director of the RRI. BEST CARE BASED ON BEST EVIDENCE The Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied & Evaluative Research Unit (KLAERU) will play an instrumental role in the realization of Baycrest's new strategic plan, specifically the development and implementation of a clinical and translational research platform integrated with education and care. KLAERU is a centralized research resource made up of consultants knowledgeable in the design and conduct of research. Members provide assistance and expertise to support clinical, evaluative and translational research at Baycrest. With the help of KLAERU, our clinical care is guided by the best research evidence. Careful evaluation of clinical outcomes and experiences – at both individual and program levels – enable and accelerate the development of new programs and treatments for memory disorders and for aging well.

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