Baycrest

BrainMatters • Fall/Winter 2022 • 19 Canada's population is aging and the healthcare sector is experiencing a staffing crunch. With the new Pamela & Paul Austin Centre for Neurology and Behavioural Support, Baycrest aims to get ahead of some of the inherent challenges by developing a web-based platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to serve people with cognitive impairment more quickly and effectively. Before an initial visit to the Sam and Ida Ross Memory Clinic at the Centre, new patients and their families will receive AI-supported early- stage assessment, which will include front- loading medical history, triage and education. "The system will support new patients and their families during the critical period of uncertainty and waiting before they are seen," said Dr. Morris Freedman, Head, Division of Neurology, Medical Director, Cognition and Behaviour, and inaugural Medical Director of the Centre, Baycrest. Dr. Freedman will lead the project along with Dr. Bradley Buchsbaum, Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest; and Dr. Daniel Felsky, Scientist at the Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). The Pamela & Paul Austin AI Platform will help clinicians quickly prioritize patients based on their needs; tailor services as patients wait; establish a therapeutic relationship; and provide timely access to memory health resources based on patient needs and interests. These efficiencies will be a game-changer for memory clinics and family doctors everywhere as they serve the rising number of older adults who will need treatment for mild cognitive impairment and dementia. "This project advances our vision of using predictive neuroscience for precision aging, recognizing that one size does not fit all when it comes to brain health," said Dr. Allison Sekuler, Sandra A. Rotman Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience, Rotman Research Institute, and President & Chief Scientist, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education. The AI project will leverage the current Toronto Dementia Research Alliance (TDRA) platform that was previously funded by Brain Canada. It will also facilitate the recruitment of patients for research studies, bringing scientists closer to answers about how to prevent, slow and treat cognitive decline. HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE CARE Dr. Morris Freedman

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