Baycrest

12 Rotman Research Institute Annual Report 2015-2016 APPLYING RESEARCH TO PRACTICE Armed with our fundamental understanding of brain structure and function, the RRI is dedicated to using this knowledge to positively impact the brain health of older adults and their families in real-world environments, including community, assisted living, and long-term care settings. In order to achieve this, scientists and their teams at the RRI are currently engaged in research activities that are focused on developing, delivering, and evaluating interventions (e.g., diet, exercise, cognitive training) to enhance the care and quality of life of healthy adults, as well as individuals suffering from brain disorders such as mild cognitive impairment, acquired brain injury, and stroke. Dr. Deirdre Dawson Senior Scientist, RRI Associate Professor Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy University of Toronto Member Rehabilitation Sciences Institute University of Toronto Research Focus: Cognition & Everyday Life Function BRAIN HEALTH MAINTENANCE & REHABILITATION Helping older adults maintain independence As people age, everyday tasks such as driving a car or taking medicine become more difficult, sometimes due to a decline in the brain's functional ability. Between 25 to 50 percent of older adults living in the community report minor cognitive issues and these individuals face a higher risk of developing dementia. With worsening cognitive decline, older adults often lose their ability to remain independent and age at home without care. With Dr. Deirdre Dawson's intervention, Real World Strategy Training (RWST), she hopes to enable a greater number of older adults to live independently longer, even if they experience minor self-identified cognitive difficulties. Her intervention aims to manage cognitive decline and prevent loss of independence. RWST is a unique intervention since older adults decide their own goals within the program, whether it's maintaining communication with children, using social media or managing their financial portfolio, and a program facilitator guides rather than leads them through their plans. RWST combines education on healthy lifestyle choices for aging with problem-solving training. The overarching aim is for people to become adept at using a strategy that will help them in their everyday life and possibly alter the brain's structure and improve brain health. Continued… PRIORITY #2: TRANSLATING DISCOVERIES

• Cover