Baycrest

BrainMatters •Fall/Winter 2024 • 11 Its renowned scientists and researchers are dedicated to advancing and sharing their knowledge of the brain and how it ages so they can develop new techniques to prevent, diagnose and treat dementia earlier, and discover innovations that advance care for people living with dementia. Many of the scientists and researchers at Baycrest are among the Top 2% Most Cited Scientists in the World, according to Stanford University. "Carrying out research at Baycrest provides me with the opportunity to hear stories from older people, share ideas, and learn from leading researchers, care practitioners, students, and families in a range of everyday situations. As a Baycrest researcher, I get to be involved in unique inter-disciplinary discussions and on-site applications of research across a range of practice settings. What I enjoy most is witnessing how the latest knowledge in brain studies and research on care can positively impact the lives and experiences of older people and their care partners," says Amanda Grenier, Norman and Honey Schipper Chair in Gerontological Social Work, and Professor, University of Toronto. On the education side activities are just as impressive. BARE produces numerous podcasts, videos, websites, and webinars, and disseminates information on other platforms. The goal is to spread awareness of dementia, teach people how to deal with it, prevent it, and reduce the stigma and loneliness that comes with it. Educational programs are produced for both health professionals and the public alike. Research at BARE focuses on three key areas related to brain health and aging. SENSORY & COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE How the brain thinks. PREDICTIVE NEUROSCIENCE FOR PRECISION AGING AND BRAIN HEALTH How to detect dementia early, prevent its progress, apply innovative treatments, and develop new approaches for dementia care. COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROINFORMATICS How brain functions are studied using computer models and data analysis. It's a tall order for everyone involved. Everyone learns differently and needs different information at specific points of their health journeys. It's why Baycrest educators work on so many platforms and have built a repository of knowledge that can be easily accessed and searched for specific needs. Dr. Amanda Grenier, Norman and Honey Schipper Chair in Gerontological Social Work, and Professor, University of Toronto

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