Baycrest

BrainMatters •Fall/Winter 2024 7 behaviour to attain goals. The ACC also supports regulation of emotions and is implicated in the neurobiology of depression. "Studies of 'superagers' – older adults who perform as well as their younger counterparts on tests of memory and other cognitive domains – show larger volumes of ACC and more extensive neural connections from the ACC to other parts of the brain, including those that support memory processes," says Dr. Mah. "Thus, the ACC is considered a critical brain region for successful cognitive aging." Dr. Meltzer says their studies focus on the ACC as a target in older adults with depression, as a well as older adults with subjective cognitive decline and a family history of Alzheimer's disease. "Many older adults with a family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's are concerned about their own future risk," he says, noting that maternal history is associated with at least 1.5 times increased risk of developing the disease. David and Bunni (Barbara) Bresver, an accomplished lawyer and a doctor of psychology respectively, are in awe of the expertise and innovative approaches of Baycrest neuroscientists, and the immense potential of current research trials to improve the lives of so many dealing with dementia. Their recent gift to support the Bresver Neuromodulation and Therapeutics Program has put them in touch with researchers, "who have such commitment and promise, who are so eager to generate innovative studies" says David, who also raised funds for Baycrest by cycling the 75 km route in the Mattamy Homes Bike for Brain Health. Bunni emphasizes that while maintaining brain health is critical to everything we do, most people take it for granted until they begin to experience unnerving changes in their functioning and loss of competencies and independence. "I so respect and admire the scientists who have chosen to specialize in understanding the complexities of neurological changes in the aging population." The Bresvers give thoughtful consideration when choosing causes to support through the Feiga Bresver Foundation. They became interested in neuromodulation research upon learning about the practical and non-invasive treatments that are becoming available, treatments ultimately allowing dementia patients access to appliances and personalized prescriptive treatments to enhance their cognitive functioning at home rather than in hospital. Both David and Bunni have come to recognize that Baycrest has become a world-respected hub for collaboration and innovation in brain health over the past few decades, in addition to its longstanding role as a long-term care home and geriatric hospital in Ontario. Their wish is that this reputation and the ongoing advances become common knowledge in the community. The Bresvers are typically private, but David says they decided to speak out because they want others to realize the promise of research and become involved. "We have to make sure that Baycrest has the ability to fund fellowships, attract post- doctoral researchers and to provide the support and facilities within which to further conduct research that has practical benefits for so many of our aging population." Many older adults with a family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's are concerned about their own future risk. Dr. Jed Meltzer, Baycrest's Canada Research Chair in Interventional Cognitive Neuroscience

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