BrainMatters •Fall/Winter 2023 • 1
Josh Cooper
President & CEO
Baycrest Foundation
FEARLESS THINKING
Welcome to the latest edition of BrainMatters magazine, bringing you timely information
on brain-healthy living and ways to optimize your well-being.
In this issue, our cover story puts the spotlight on Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod
of BodyBreak, the iconic 90-second TV spots that ran during the '90s and 2000s
promoting the importance of staying healthy. This year, Hal and Joanne participated
in the Mattamy Homes Bike for Brain Health in Support of Baycrest, which gave them
a chance to not only support dementia research but also continue to illustrate the
importance of staying active.
Elsewhere, we look at how healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in addressing the
health impacts of social isolation among older adults; we share how our Possibilities by
Baycrest™ memory care model has resulted in reduced emergency room visits and acute
care hospital admissions for residents exhibiting responsive behaviours due to dementia;
and we update you on our new partnership with the North Toronto Ontario Health Team
(NT OHT) and the Toronto Senior Housing Corporation (TSHC) to enhance the lives of
low-income seniors.
With our focus on the active prevention, early detection and treatment of dementia,
Baycrest continues to build better support systems for older adults, their families and their
caregivers. On that note, I am pleased to introduce Defy Dementia, an empowering new
podcast by Baycrest. Each episode features interviews with experts, personal stories and
practical advice to help everyone optimize their aging journey. Tune in and subscribe at
defydementia.org or anywhere you get your podcasts.
Our advances in brain health science are not possible without the generosity of our
community of donors, volunteers, staff, residents and their families. Thank you!
Please play a role in supporting all our efforts to defeat dementia. Call our Donations
Office at 416-785-2875 or visit baycrest.org and make your donation online.
Wishing you a safe, healthy and happy fall and winter.
Josh Cooper,
President & CEO,
Baycrest Foundation
