Selecting one or more of the options below will update the content below.

Age Group
Type of Study
Study Format
Location
Target Population
  • Observational Study
    In-Person

    What is this Study about?

    This randomized controlled study evaluates the efficacy of a hippocampus-targeted, computerized spatial memory intervention in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Participants (≥55 years) will be randomized to either (a) a spatial memory intervention program or (b) an active placebo. Primary outcomes are changes in memory and cognition from baseline to post-training and 6-month follow-up, assessed with standardized neuropsychological measures and validated spatial memory tasks. Secondary outcomes include everyday functioning, quality of life, perceived stress, and related psychosocial indices.  

    A neuroimaging sub-study acquires structural MRI and task-based fMRI to quantify hippocampal morphometry and functional recruitment; we hypothesize training-related improvements will correlate with hippocampal structural/functional change. Exploratory biomarkers (lipids, glucose/insulin for HOMA-IR, cortisol) and polygenic risk scores for dementia are obtained to control inter-individual variability and potential moderators/mediators of training response. The central hypothesis is that sustained, strategy-level engagement of hippocampus-dependent spatial memory will improve cognitive performance in MCI and yield convergent MRI biomarker signatures, supporting experience-dependent plasticity and informing scalable, non-pharmacologic interventions for delaying cognitive decline. 

    Eligibility Criteria

    - Aged 55 years and above 

    - Have English or French as a primary language 

    - Received a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) 

    Recruitment End Date

  • Observational Study
    Online

    What is this Study about?

    The aim of this study is to understand how people with dementia, family/friend carers and healthcare providers experience the Driving and Dementia Roadmap website. This website contains resources to help people in the decision-making about when to stop driving and adjust to life after driving. We are also interested in knowing how the Driving and Dementia Roadmap may impact how people manage stopping to drive. The findings of this study will be used to improve and ensure that resources, like the Driving and Dementia Roadmap will continue to be available for people with dementia and those who support them. 

    Eligibility Criteria

    You are eligible to participate if you are a: 

    a) Person living with dementia who is still driving or has stopped driving within the past 2 years 

    b) Family member or friend who is caring for or providing support to a person with dementia who is still driving orhas stopped driving within the past two years 

    c) Healthcare provider (physician, occupational therapist, nurse practitioner) who cares for people living with dementia 

    Recruitment End Date

  • Observational Study
    In person & Online

    What is this Study about?

    This study explores the air travel experiences of people living with dementia and their travel companions. We want to understand moments that may feel stressful, confusing, or overwhelming when travelling by air. The information gathered will be used to create recommendations for airlines, airports, and policymakers, helping to make air travel more dementia-friendly, supportive, and enjoyable for people living with dementia and their families.

    Eligibility Criteria

    You are eligible to participate if you are:

    - A person living with dementia who has flown before, or a travel companion who has supported someone living with dementia during air travel

    - Willing to share your experiences in a friendly conversation

    - Able to communicate in English

    Recruitment End Date

  • Observational Study
    In person & Online

    What is this Study about?

    This study explores the hospital experiences of people living with dementia and their care partners, focusing on how hospital and emergency department processes and interactions, often influenced by dementia stigma, influence care quality and outcomes. Insights gathered through interviews will identify barriers and opportunities to improve hospital care for this population. Findings will be used to develop recommendations that promote more responsive, inclusive, and compassionate hospital practices for people living with dementia and their care partners.

    Eligibility Criteria

    -Live with dementia or are a care partner of someone living with dementia

    -Have experience receiving care in a hospital or emergency department in Canada

    -Are comfortable participating in a one-hour interview (in English or French)

    -Can provide informed consent, proxy consent, or assent

    Recruitment End Date

  • Observational Study
    Online

    What is this Study about?

    Have you ever wondered how people feel and think about caregiving for older adults? Our study explores these beliefs and attitudes about unpaid (informal) caregiving for older adults in Canada. Participants will answer questions in an Online Survey that takes approximately 30 minutes.

    The data will be analyzed and published in aggregated forms of anonymized data. The findings will help to understand and highlight the Canadian society’s beliefs and attitudes about informal care for older adults and provide a new basis for improving support for caregivers and the people they care for.

    Eligibility Criteria

    - Are between 18 and 95 years of age

    - Are currently an unpaid caregiver to a relative or friend who is aged 60 years or older

    - Have been providing care or support for at least 6 months or longer

    Recruitment End Date

  • Observational Study
    Online

    What is this Study about?

    The goal of this study is to explore the experiences of caregivers who are managing both their caregiving responsibilities and their own health needs, in order to better understand the challenges they face and to identify ways to improve support for them. The findings of this study are expected to help inform policy formation, intervention planning and design that addresses the unique needs of ill-caregivers. The knowledge generated through this study will enhance caregivers’ capacity and sustainability, thereby supporting their ability to deliver high-quality care to older adults while maintaining their essential role within the healthcare system.

    Eligibility Criteria

    - are 18 years or older

    - are currently providing care to an older adult (age 60+) with a chronic illness (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, cancer), while also managing your own health conditions (e.g., chronic illness, mental health concerns)

    Recruitment End Date

  • Observational Study
    Online

    What is this Study about?

    We are inviting caregivers, healthcare providers, community organizations, and Alzheimer’s societies to take part in a research study focused on improving support for people caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Compassionate palliative care is essential for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. However, many families living in rural settings cannot access palliative care unless it is through virtual methods. This study aims to address these challenges by involving caregivers and healthcare professionals to co-design virtual palliative care support.

    Eligibility Criteria

    1. Are a family member/caregiver providing care to a loved one with terminal dementia.

    2. Healthcare providers who medically practice in rural Ontario, focused on delivering palliative care to family caregivers of individuals with dementia

    Recruitment End Date

  • Observational Study
    In person & Online

    What is this Study about?

    This study will assess if an in-vehicle Driving Monitoring System can identify differences in driving behaviours between older adults who are cognitively healthy, those with mild cognitive impairment, and those with mild dementia. 

    Eligibility Criteria

    Participants must:

    • Be 65 years or older.

    • Be cognitively healthy or have mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia.

    • Have a valid General class driver’s license and still driving.

    • Be fluent in English.

    • Own an insured vehicle of 1998 or newer model year.

    • Drive to at least 2 different locations per week. 

    Recruitment End Date

  • Observational Study
    In person

    What is this Study about?

    This study explores Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a potential treatment for mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, the mild electrical stimulation is delivered to a part of the brain called the Pedunculopontine Nucleus (PPN), which helps regulate cognitive and sleep-related brain rhythms. The trial will recruit a small group of participants to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of DBS-PPN in treating AD. The goal of this study is to see if targeting this part of the brain with DBS can help people living with mild AD improve their memory, thinking skills, and sleep quality.

    Eligibility Criteria

    Are 60 years or older
    -Have a diagnosis of mild Alzheimer's Disease
    -Are fluent in English
    -Have a personal caregiver willing to join the study

    Recruitment End Date