BrainMatters •Fall/Winter 2024 • 9
We have more than 133
ongoing studies to determine
how the brain works and ages,
so we can defeat dementia.
Here are some key questions
our scientists are exploring.
CAN ONLINE TOOLS HELP
MODIFY BEHAVIOUR AND
IMPROVE LIVES?
Brain Health PRO is an interactive
online program being tested at
Baycrest and across Canada to
help older adults improve their
dementia risk factors. Educational
videos and activities focus on
exercise, nutrition, sleep, social
health, cognitive engagement,
heart health, vision, and hearing.
WHAT ARE THE RISK
FACTORS FOR DEMENTIA?
Researchers have identified
more than eight risk factors for
dementia, including low education,
hearing loss, traumatic brain
injury, alcohol or substance abuse,
hypertension, smoking, diabetes,
and depression.
DOES HEARING LOSS
IMPACT BRAIN AGING?
We're exploring the relationship
between hearing loss, brain aging,
and the ability to understand
speech in noisy situations.
DOES HEART RATE
VARIABILITY (HRV)
HELP DETECT COGNITIVE
DECLINE?
We're assessing whether HRV
could potentially serve as an
objective biomarker of risk for
future dementia.
DOES HOUSEWORK
PRESERVE COGNITIVE
HEALTH?
Adults who spend more time
doing household chores seem to
have better cognitive health. We're
investigating why.
WHAT OUR
SCIENTISTS
ARE EXPLORING
