Baycrest

From left to right: Dr. Allison Sekuler; Jay Ingram; The Honourable Laura Smith, M.P.P.; Mary Hynes (podcast guest); Dr. Nicole Anderson; and Brandy Goffigan (Toronto Public Library) "I've done a lot of different little things [to reduce my dementia risk]. I started learning a new language, I made conscious changes to my diet, I tried to take care of my health. I [had] already been doing yoga on and off, but I signed up after one of the podcasts to do it on a regular basis." Defy Dementia podcast listener Defy Dementia audiences reported: 100% recommended the event they attended 91% recommended Defy Dementia resources 91% cited a change in their beliefs or attitudes about people living with dementia 66% expressed an increased understanding of dementia risk factors Through its ability to promote awareness, foster inclusivity, and provide practical support, this initiative has enhanced the lives of countless Canadians. DEFY DEMENTIA Launched in 2023, Baycrest's Defy Dementia initiative creates, curates, and disseminates knowledge resources to build awareness and understanding of the modifiable risk factors for dementia, and reduce dementia-associated stigma. The project is dedicated to empowering individuals of all ages to reduce their dementia risk and optimize their aging journey. Defy Dementia is an interprofessional collaboration among researchers, educators, clinicians, science journalists, and knowledge mobilization and communications specialists across Baycrest. Co-designed with older adults and caregivers, the program uses a multimodal learning approach including a monthly Webby-nominated podcast co-hosted by Dr. Allison Sekuler and Jay Ingram, animated videos, infographics, blog, website with curated resources, the online Canuckle Brain Health cognitive engagement game, as well as virtual and in-person community engagement events. The podcast delves into key dementia topics through inspiring stories and interviews with people with lived experience (older adults, caregivers, people living with dementia and disability) as well as dementia experts sharing the latest research in the field. Defy Dementia resources provide tangible, actionable strategies to reduce dementia risk, optimize brain health, and reduce dementia-related stigma. With funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada and a generous donation from The Slaight Family Foundation, as of March 31, 2025, Defy Dementia had reached 47 countries, with nearly 400K podcast listens and 200K website visits. It has been featured in local and national media, with almost 8.5 million media impressions, and developed more than 75 national partnerships. Nearly 4,000 people attended virtual and in-person Defy Dementia community engagement events across Canada. Objective 1.1 Generate transformative knowledge and apply predictive neuroscience for precision aging for dementia prevention, detection, treatment, and care. 10 BAYCREST ACADEMY FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

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