Baycrest

Combining research and personalized interventions to reduce dementia risk Research suggests that at least 40 per cent of dementia cases may be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. In line with the Rotman Research Institute (RRI)'s focus on predictive neuroscience for precision aging, the Kimel Family Centre team will develop personalized approaches to help reduce dementia risk and preserve brain health for their members. Based on a comprehensive intake assessment, members will receive a dementia risk report and a personalized wellness and lifestyle programming strategy to address their risk factors. Expert-led programming Based on their individual risk factors, members may participate in one or more of the following expert-led program categories: fitness and aquatics, lectures and continued education, mind and body wellness, performing arts, nutrition and cooking, fine arts and crafts, spiritual support, events, games, and social clubs. State-of-the-art facilities Members of the Kimel Family Centre will have access to a number of exclusive facilities, such as: • A warm-water pool with easy-to-operate chairlift and gentle descending staircase • Stan's Gym, outfitted with advanced exercise equipment that older adults can use with ease and comfort • A large, light-filled creative arts studio to support the creation and exhibition of artistic works • A classroom equipped with cutting-edge audio-visual technology for lectures and courses • A room with soft flooring for yoga, meditation, and dance Meet Melanie Santarossa Having been raised by older adults, working as a volunteer for many hours with this population, as well as holding a Master's degree in Aging and Health, Melanie Santarossa was a natural choice to oversee operations and program development as the Program Manager at the Kimel Family Centre. The role requires her to wear many hats, as the Centre is still in start-up mode. Depending on the day, she might be focused on the budget, developing a policy, engaging with community partners, or co- designing programs, to name just a few examples. "To be on the ground floor of the world's first-ever research-based community centre is incredibly exciting," says Melanie. "Sometimes I still have to pinch myself that this is my job!" Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health & Wellness The first of its kind in the world, the Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health & Wellness is the only community centre focused on personalized dementia prevention. The Kimel Family Centre is directed by Dr. Howard Chertkow, Baycrest's Chair in Cognitive Neurology and Innovation and Senior Scientist at the RRI, and Dr. Nicole Anderson, Associate Scientific Director and Senior Scientist at the RRI. It is the flagship of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA)'s CAN-THUMBS UP study. Baycrest is home to the scientific headquarters of the CCNA. If you would like to express your interest in becoming a member, please complete the form at www.baycrest.org/participateinresearch and a member of the Kimel Family Centre team will be in touch. For a limited time, members will pay an introductory fee of $25 plus GST per month to help cover programming costs. All assessment costs will be covered by donor and research grant funding. 24 BAYCREST ACADEMY FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

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