Baycrest

Addressing the public health challenge of dementia In March 2023, the Academy's Dr. Allison Sekuler and Shusmita Rashid were invited to spotlight the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI)'s work for the Public Health Agency of Canada's Federal/Provincial/Territorial Coordinating Committee on Dementia (FPT-CCD). The FPT-CCD was established to provide FPT governments with a forum for collaboration, information sharing, and discussion of programs, policies, and issues related to dementia. This committee helps to strengthen FPT relationships with the purpose of addressing the public health challenge of dementia. Expanding the reach of evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation Developed by Rotman Research Institute (RRI) Senior Scientist Dr. Brian Levine, Goal Management Training TM (GMT) is a leading, evidence-based cognitive intervention for people living with impaired executive functioning due to brain conditions or mental illness. The program helps them improve their planning and ability to achieve goals. GMT's train-the-trainer workshop is now accessible on an eLearning platform, with digital tools for therapists and clients to engage in online cognitive rehabilitation anywhere in the world. Discussing the National Dementia Strategy Drs. Nicole Anderson and Rosanne Aleong organized and moderated, respectively, a panel at the 2022 Canadian Science Policy Conference titled, "Current and future implementation of the National Dementia Strategy: Delivering sustainable programs and supports for the prevention and early detection of dementia." Besides Dr. Anderson, expert panelists included Jim Mann, Dr. Jane Rylett, Eliav Shaked, and Dr. Saskia Sivananthan. Improving mental health for older adults across Canada Managing and enhancing older adults' mental health is an important priority, as it affects their quality of life and their dementia risk. The Baycrest Academy's Executive Vice-President of Education, Dr. David Conn, co-chairs the Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health (CCSMH), a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote the mental health of older adults by connecting people, ideas, and resources. This year the CCSMH received $2.5 million in funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada. Led by Dr. Conn, a team will use these funds to support best practices in mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment through the review, updating, and creation of best practice guidelines related to anxiety, behavioural symptoms of dementia, depression, and substance use disorders. They will translate this evidence into tools, resources, and training to address stigma around aging and mental health, and empower older adults across Canada to improve their mental health and well-being. Left to right: Dr. David Conn, Minister Kamal Khera, Dr. Allison Sekuler, Sue Iaboni, Member of Parliament Ya'ara Saks, Dr. Andrea Iaboni (University Health Network) 26 BAYCREST ACADEMY FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

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