Baycrest

NEXT LEAP "Executive functions are extraordinarily sensitive to compromised brain functioning, no matter what the cause. Examples include increased distraction, difficulty completing tasks and lack of ability in forming strategies." functioning, no matter what the cause. Examples include increased distraction, difficulty completing tasks and lack of ability in forming strategies." Dr. Levine, along with researchers in the United Kingdom, created Goal Management Training (GMT). It has been used in numerous intervention studies in healthy aging, dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, post- intensive care unit patients, spina bifida and substance abuse. TRAINING THE TRAINER For many people experiencing cognitive deficits, being able to take part in their own care is very empowering. To help facilitate this, two "train the trainer" toolkits developed through Baycrest's Centre for Brain Fitness were piloted at the Rotman Research Institute's annual conference in March. Workshops offered health-care professionals hands-on experi- ence in teaching their patients how to set and manage goals and improve their memory. The Goal Management Training toolkit breaks new ground by providing clinicians with a validated, structured program for the rehabilitation of execu- tive function, which is one of the most difficult cognitive deficits to address. Dr. Brian Levine, a senior scientist in the Rotman Institute, explains that "executive functions are extraordinarily sensitive to compromised brain The train the trainer workshop provides clinicians with a solid foundation in the theory of GMT and hands-on experience in delivering it. A second toolkit focuses on memory difficulties. Started at Baycrest in 1997 by Dr. Angela Troyer, professional practice chief of Psychology and pro- gram director of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Health, the Memory and Aging program is offered four times a year for healthy older adults interested in improving their memory. "The program teaches about normal memory changes that occur with age as well as strategies to improve everyday memory performance," says Dr. Troyer. "We've received numerous requests for this training from other health professionals, includ- ing occupational therapists, nurses and speech language pathologists, so I was excited to pilot this workshop at the conference." Health-care professionals from around the world, including South Korea, Hong Kong and China, are incorporating these programs into their practice. 28 2011/12 Baycrest and Baycrest Foundation Annual Report

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