ANNUAL REPORT 2013–14
6
N E W F I N D I N G S A B O U T
WH I T E M AT T E R D I S E A S E
A new study led by Brian P. Vasquez, a PhD
candidate at the Rotman Research Institute,
found that vascular disease affecting the
brain's white matter may cause a broader
range of cognitive impairment than previously
thought. White matter disease hardens tiny
arteries deep within the brain, gradually
restricting nutrients to white matter – the
connections between brain regions involved
in abilities such as planning, organizing,
problem-solving and attention. The new study
showed that individuals with white matter
disease have significant cognitive deficits in
executive functioning, thinking speed, general
functioning, language, immediate memory,
delayed memory, working memory and
visuo-spatial construction.
U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E C O M P L E X
M E M O R Y C H I P I N S I D E O U R H E A D S
The Rotman Research Institute welcomed more
than 300 attendees from around the world at
its annual conference in March. The theme of
the conference was "Memory and the Brain
in Health and Disease." The latest research
was presented by scientists at the forefront
of understanding how the human brain makes
memories, how sleep and dreams nourish
thinking abilities, and how a walk in the park
can refresh tired brains.
Research and Innovation
