Baycrest

SUPPORTING MCI RESEARCH HELPING KIDS UNDERSTAND DEMENTIA Touched by his sister's painful journey through Alzheimer's, Morris Goldenberg made a bequest in his will to establish an endowment fund in support of research into mild cognitive impairment, considered a precursor to dementia. A Baycrest clinician-scientist has produced an online activity book to help young children cope with the devastating condition of early-onset dementia in a parent. Dr. Kelly Murphy treats patients living with MCI, but the Morris Goldenberg Endowment Fund allows her to also conduct research on the aging brain. "Because of the clinical aspect of my position, I'm able to translate my research into clinical practice at Baycrest," she explains. "It's wonderful to be able to test out theories from basic research. When we think we're on to something, we can make sure we're on the right path." Sydney Goldenberg, Morris's eldest son, said he receives "reports and updates" on the research. "I'm in my 70s now – we're all facing the cognitive risks of aging and it's nice to know that MCI is a frontier that has been identified and that profoundly important work is being done at Baycrest." WELLNESS LIBRARY GOES GLOBAL The Anne E. and Louis Pritzker Wellness Library at Baycrest is partnering with the Toronto Public Library to broadcast its health information lectures online. "We believe that knowledge is the essential basis of informed decisions in healthcare," said Mary McDiarmid, manager of Library Services. "This partnership … will help Baycrest's in-house health experts reach an audience beyond the city's borders." BOOK FEATURES INSPIRING PATIENT STORIES As a behavioural neurologist in the Sam and Ida Ross Memory Clinic at Baycrest, Dr. Tiffany Chow has counseled hundreds of patients and families living with dementia. In an acclaimed new book published by Penguin Canada, she tells moving stories from her practice in the clinic and throughout her career. "I wrote the book for caregivers who are starting this difficult phase of life with dementia in a loved one and want to learn strategies for coping from those who've been down this road before," said Dr. Chow, a senior scientist with the Rotman Research Institute. "I also wrote the book for aging boomers who are worried about getting dementia and want to learn the best ways to reduce risk based on the latest available scientific evidence." Using cartoon characters, the book has children follow clues to understanding frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), a form of dementia that can strike adults as early as their 50s while they are still working and raising young children. Dr. Chow, an expert in diagnosing and treating early-onset dementias, created the book with Gail Elliot, a gerontologist and dementia specialist at Atomic Orange Productions, a service provider of interactive toys and games. A person with FTD will begin to behave in an odd and disruptive way as the condition worsens – which can be frightening for young children. "I think children, regardless of age, are distressed by illness in a parent, but with FTD there are completely foreign behaviours or personality changes," said Dr. Chow. consumers & community ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13 29

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