Seniors and Drugs

Baycrest experts: A guide for media
Successful Aging .................................................................................................................... 2
Seniors’ Mental Health and Drugs......................................................................................... 3
Seniors and Falls Prevention ................................................................................................. 5
Seniors and Sexuality ............................................................................................................. 7
Seniors and Aging at Home ................................................................................................... 7
Seniors and Driving ................................................................................................................ 7
Caregiving Challenges with Elders ......................................................................................... 8
Caring for Persons with Dementia......................................................................................... 9
Elder Abuse ............................................................................................................................ 9
Advance Care Planning .......................................................................................................... 9
Caring for Aging Holocaust Survivors .................................................................................. 10
End-of-Life Care ................................................................................................................... 11
Depression and Other Mood Disorders in older adults ...................................................... 12
Memory ............................................................................................................................... 13
Aging and Memory .............................................................................................................. 15
Attention.............................................................................................................................. 17
Cognitive Impairments......................................................................................................... 18
Amnesia and Other Memory Distortions ............................................................................ 19
Stress and Cognitive Function ............................................................................................. 20
Diet and Cognitive Function ................................................................................................ 20
Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias ...................................................................................... 21
Early-Onset Dementias ........................................................................................................ 22
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) ................................................................................................. 22
Brain Imaging ....................................................................................................................... 23
Stroke and Cognitive Rehabilitation .................................................................................... 25
Culture, Arts & Innovation................................................................................................... 26
Successful Aging
Dr. William Reichman
President and CEO, Baycrest
Geriatric Psychiatrist
416-785-2500, ext. 5441
[email protected]
Neuroplasticity, brain fitness with an aging population; ‘next’ practices in healthcare for an
aging population.
Dr. Nicole Anderson
Clinical neuropsychologist
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext. 3366
[email protected]
Co-author, Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (Oxford University Press, 2012); best
lifestyle strategies for maintaining strong cognitive health over the lifespan; lead investigator
of study to scientifically analyze the impact of volunteering on the physical, psychosocial and
cognitive health of retired adults.
Dr. Sid Feldman
Executive Medical Director, Residential & Aging @ Home, Baycrest
Chief, Dept. of Family and Community Medicine, Baycrest
Associate Professor & Director, Care of the Elderly Program
University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2682 (secretary)
[email protected]
Aging well and longevity; preventive health in the elderly; common health challenges for
older adults.
Seniors’ Mental Health and Drugs
Dr. David Conn
Vice-President, Education, Baycrest
Director, Mood and Related Disorders Clinic, Baycrest
Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
Co-Chair, Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health (CCSMH)*
416-785-2500, ext. 2456
[email protected]
Drug and non-drug strategies for managing the behavioural and psychological symptoms of
dementia, depression and other psychiatric illnesses; co-author of the National Guidelines for
the assessment and treatment of seniors’ mental health issues, such as delirium, depression,
mental health issues in nursing homes, suicide risk and prevention in older adults.
Dr. William E. Reichman
President and CEO, Baycrest
Geriatric Psychiatrist
416-785-2500, ext. 5441 (secretary)
[email protected]
Brain fitness and aging populations; successful aging; Alzheimer's Disease; delivery of mental
healthcare in nursing homes. Dr. Reichman is past president of the American Association for
Geriatric Psychiatry.
Behavioural Management & Dementia
Dr. Andrea Moser
Associate Medical Director, Baycrest’s Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged
Provincial lead, Behavioural Supports Ontario
President, Ontario Long Term Care Physicians
416-785-2500, ext. 3499
[email protected]
Strategies for building capacity in Ontario nursing homes for managing challenging
behaviours in residents with dementia. Baycrest has been designated by the local health
authority as a leader in implementing support strategies, training for frontline staff in nursing
homes.
Seniors and General Health
Baycrest has several geriatricians who can address a broad range of topics
related to seniors’ health.
Dr. Gary Naglie
Chief, Dept. of Medicine, Baycrest
Hunt Family Chair in Geriatric Medicine
Professor, Dept. of Medicine, and
Health Policy, Management & Evaluation
University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2073 (secretary)
[email protected]
Dr. Naglie’s research focuses on quality of life and health outcomes in older adults with
Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Parkinson’s disease, stroke, prostate
cancer, and other chronic medical conditions. Dr. Naglie is a member of Candrive, which is a
national group of multidisciplinary researchers interested in driving safety in older adults.
Dr. Michael Gordon
Medical Program Director, Palliative Care Clinical Ethicist and Consultant Geriatrician
Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto
Member, Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2613 (secretary)
[email protected]
Issues and challenges in geriatric medicine; attracting medical students to the specialty; aging
well and longevity; end-of-life care (palliative); ethical issues in geriatrics and long term care;
caring for aging parents; caring for aging Holocaust Survivors.
*Dr. Michael Gordon is former VP of Medical Services at Baycrest and one of Canada’s bestknown geriatric medical specialists. He is one of the first geriatricians to be certified in
Canada(1981), and is co-author of several books: Parenting Your Parents; Brooklyn
Beginnings; and Moments that Matter: Cases in Ethical ElderCare. A medical columnist, Dr.
Gordon is a frequent guest expert for media.
Dr. Sid Feldman
Executive Medical Director, Residential & Aging @ Home, Baycrest
Chief, Dept. of Family and Community Medicine, Baycrest
Associate Professor & Director, Care of the Elderly Program
University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2682 (secretary)
[email protected]
Aging well and longevity; preventive health in the elderly; common health challenges for
older adults.
Dr. Fabio Varlese
Medical Program Director, Rehabilitation, Baycrest
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2613 (secretary)
[email protected]
Aging well and longevity; common health challenges in the elderly.
Seniors and Falls Prevention
Sylvia Davidson
Professional Practice Chief, Occupational Therapy
416-785-2500, ext. 5275
[email protected]
Jane Hall
Occupational therapist
Day Treatment Centre, Baycrest
Works with seniors who live in community; Best practices to reduce the risk of falls at home
and in hospital/LTC.
416-785-2500, ext. 2671
[email protected]
OFF SITE:
Dr. Laura Wagner
Adjunct Scientist, Baycrest
Assistant Professor
Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing
New York University College of Nursing
212-998-5386
[email protected]
Improving resident safety in nursing homes; falls prevention. Dr. Wagner co-chaired an RNAO
guideline development for restraint alternatives (2011).
Seniors and Nutrition
Brain health and nutrition:
Dr. Carol Greenwood
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Canada’s leading professor of nutrition and brain health, University of Toronto
Co-author of Mindfull (Harper Collins, 2013), science and recipes for healthy eating to protect
the brain.
416-785-2500, ext. 2785
[email protected]
Dr. Greenwood has spent 20 years investigating diet’s impact on brain health. She is the
leader of the Nutrition, Exercise and Lifestyle Team on the Canadian Consortium on
Neurodegenerative Diseases (exploring primary prevention). Carol has done countless
interviews with print, broadcast and web over the years.
Nutritional challenges with people who have Alzheimer’s disease and other
dementias:
Joanne Bev Edwards-Miller
Clinical Dietitian, Baycrest
Host of Live Healthy Now, Rogers Television
[email protected]
Cheli Barokas-Agate
Clinical Dietitian, Baycrest
Manager, Clinical/Client Food and Nutrition Services, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext. 2245
[email protected]
Seniors and Sexuality
Dr. Marcia Sokolowski
Co-director of Ethics, Baycrest
Member, Joint Centre for Bioethics, U of T
416-785-2500 ext. 3356
[email protected]
Diversity awareness in long term care homes; ethical issues related to aging workers and
cognitive decline.
Seniors and Aging at Home
Linda Jackson
V.P., Residential, Community and Brain Health, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext. 2434
[email protected]
Leading expert on aging at home strategies; support for caregivers. Frequently sought out by
media. Most recent interview on CTV’s Canada AM in Jan. 2015 as part of an expert panel
discussion.
Seniors and Driving
Dr. Gary Naglie
Chief, Dept. of Medicine, Baycrest
Hunt Family Chair in Geriatric Medicine
Professor, Dept. of Medicine, and
Health Policy, Management & Evaluation
University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2073 (secretary)
[email protected]
Dr. Naglie is a member of Candrive, a national group of multidisciplinary researchers
interested in driving safety in older adults. He is currently leading a study at the Rotman
Research Institute that aims to improve safe driving abilities in people over 65 who have been
diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. The study is using a driving simulator to recreate
realistic driving conditions for study participants.
Caregiving Challenges with Elders
Nira Rittenberg
Occupational Therapist
416-785-2500, ext. 3587
[email protected]
Leads support groups for caregivers. Co-authored a book on dementia caregiving with Bianca
Stern (Baycrest). Expanded third edition coming out in summer/fall 2015. Interviewed by
major media, including Canadian Living magazine.
Renee Climans
Social Worker, Outpatient Clinics, Behavioural Neurology and
Psychology, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext. 2480
[email protected]
Caregiver stress; support/services to help family caregivers reduce stress and cope better.
Lesley Patterson
Senior Social Worker, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext. 2247
[email protected]
Leads support group for spouses of dementia sufferers; oversees Seniors Support Program
for isolated, frail seniors in the community.
Caring for Persons with Dementia.
Anna Grinberg
Nurse Clinician
The Freeman Family Day Centre and Samuel Lunenfeld Mountainview Club, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext. 2726
[email protected]
Cognitive impairment and associated safety issues such as wandering away from home.
Providing therapeutic recreation programs and nursing care to older adults with cognitive
impairment in a community day centre.
Fran Kleiner
Senior Social Worker
Community Day Centre for Seniors, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext. 2229
[email protected]
Co-author of “Social Work Practice with the Elderly in an Integrated Adult Day Program” (3rd
Edition); led support group for spousal caregivers of partners with dementia; helping seniors
maintain their independence, prevent premature institutionalization.
Elder Abuse
Christina Van Sickle
Professional Practice Chief of Social Work, Baycrest
[email protected]
416-785-2500 x.5618
How to identify elder abuse, prevent abuse, and where to seek help.
Advance Care Planning
Advance care planning, living wills, powers of attorney, family discussions.
Dr. Michael Gordon
Medical Program Director, Palliative Care Clinical Ethicist and Consultant Geriatrician
Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto
Member, Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2613 (secretary)
[email protected]
Aging well and longevity; end-of-life care (palliative); ethical issues in geriatrics and long term
care; caring for aging parents; caring for aging Holocaust Survivors.
*Dr. Michael Gordon is former VP of Medical Services at Baycrest and one of Canada’s bestknown geriatric medical specialists. He is co-author of several books: Parenting Your Parents;
Brooklyn Beginnings; and Moments that Matter: Cases in Ethical ElderCare. A medical
columnist, Dr. Gordon is a frequent guest expert for media.
Caring for Aging Holocaust Survivors
Currently, Holocaust Survivors comprise approximately 17% of Baycrest
hospital patients, 25% of Baycrest nursing home clients, and 21% of Baycrest’s
supportive living apartment residents.
Shoshana Yaakobi
Senior Social Worker, Baycrest
Coordinator of the Holocaust Resource Program, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext. 2271
[email protected]
Meeting the needs of aging Holocaust Survivors and their adult children; lead support groups;
provide education and consultation.
Judi Cohen
Senior Social Worker, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext. 2731, ext. 2322
[email protected]
Leads support groups for adult children of Holocaust Survivors.
Dr. Michael Gordon
Medical Program Director, Palliative Care Co-director, Ethics, Baycrest
Geriatrician, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto
Member, Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2613 (secretary)
[email protected]
Provides a doctor’s perspective on providing care to aging and frail Holocaust Survivors;
issues and challenges.
Anna Grinberg
Nurse Clinician
The Freeman Family Day Centre, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext. 2726
[email protected]
Providing nursing care to older adults who have cognitive impairment in a community-based
setting, includes Holocaust Survivors.
End-of-Life Care
Dr. Michael Gordon
Medical Program Director, Palliative Care
Co-Director of Ethics, Baycrest and Consultant Geriatrician
Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto
Member, Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2613 (secretary)
[email protected]
Ethical issues in geriatrics and long-term care. Dr. Gordon is the author of several books,
including Moments that Matter: Cases in Ethical Elder Care (iUniverse 2010).
Dr. Marcia Sokolowski
Co-Director of Ethics, Baycrest
Member, Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 3356
[email protected]
Ethical issues in end-of-life care and long-term geriatric care; facilitating the making of moral
decisions.
Depression and Other Mood Disorders in older
adults
Dr. Robert Madan
Chief of Psychiatry, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext. 2457
[email protected]
Dr. Madan spearheaded the launch of Baycrest’s new mental health website for seniors with
depression, in spring 2014. The website can be accessed at:
www.baycrest.org/educate/mental-health/depression/
Dr. David Conn
Vice-President, Education, Baycrest
Director, Mood and Related Disorders Clinic, Baycrest
Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
Co-Chair, Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health (CCSMH)
416-785-2500, ext. 2456
[email protected]
Depression, delirium, anxiety in seniors; non-pharma strategies and antipsychotic drug
treatments for managing the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia; coauthored the CCSMH national guidelines.
Dr. Nasreen Khatri
Registered Clinical Psychologist and Researcher
Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext.3515
[email protected]
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT); depression, stress, anxiety and impact on brain health,
and risk for dementia; risk factors for women; caregiver stress.
Memory
Dr. Fergus Craik
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
University Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 3526
[email protected]
Co-editor of The Oxford Handbook of Memory with Dr. Endel Tulving. Age-related changes in
memory; attention; memory rehabilitation.
Dr. Morris Moscovitch
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Dr. Max and Gianna Glassman Chair in Neuropsychology, Baycrest and University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 3132
[email protected]
Changes in executive function that affect memory; amnesia, confabulation and other memory
distortions; role of consciousness in memory; attention and face-recognition in neurologically
normal young and old people and in people with focal or degenerative brain lesions.
Dr. Carol Greenwood
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Professor, Dept. of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2785
[email protected]
How diet impacts brain function; relationship of Type 2 Diabetes to cognitive function. Dr.
Greenwood is Canada’s leading professor of nutrition and brain health, and co-author of
Mindfull (Harper Collins, 2013), a consumer-friendly science-based cookbook with 100
delicious recipes to maintain brain health through the lifespan.
Dr. Brian Levine
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Associate Professor, Psychology and
Medicine (Neurology), University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 3593
[email protected]
Dr. Levine is currently leading a research study to track the brain health of retired NHL players
over several years. Expertise: prefrontal and executive functioning; self-regulation; episodic
memory; autobiographical memory; recovery/reorganization of brain function.
Dr. Lynn Hasher
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Professor, Psychology, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2767 (Mondays)
416-978-7620 (University of Toronto)
[email protected]
Attention and performance in older adults; aging, inhibition and contents of working
memory; impact of time of day on performance of attention tasks.
Dr. Gordon Winocur
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Professor, Dept. of Psychology, Trent University
Professor, Depts. of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 3592
[email protected]
Memory; hippocampus; cognitive changes associated with brain damage and aging in human
and animal models; how diet, diabetes and chemotherapy impact brain function.
Aging and Memory
Dr. Angela Troyer, Dr. Kelly Murphy, Dr. Nicole Anderson
Clinical Neuropsychologists, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext. 2445 (secretary)
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Drs. Anderson, Murphy and Troyer co-authored Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment
(Oxford University Press, 2012). Dr. Troyer oversees the Memory and Aging Program for older
adults in the community who are concerned about changes to their memory. She also led the
team that developed a free online brain health test for adults 50-79 (cogniciti.com). Dr.
Murphy oversees ‘Learning the Ropes’, an outpatient memory intervention program for older
adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Dr. Anderson is a scientist with Baycrest’s
Rotman Research Institute and has led a study to evaluate the psychosocial benefits of
specific volunteer activities for seniors.
Dr. Susan Vandermorris
Clinical Neuropsychologist
416-785-2500 ext. 2686
[email protected]
Memory changes in aging, including practical strategies to optimize memory functioning and
lifestyle interventions to promote brain health.
Rotman senior scientists who can talk about cognitive functions (memory,
attention, planning, problem-solving) and how they change with aging:
Dr. Fergus Craik, ext. 3526, [email protected]
Dr. Cheryl Grady, ext. 3525, [email protected]
Dr. Gordon Winocur, ext. 3592, [email protected]
Senior Scientists, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Dr. Cheryl Grady
Senior Scientist and Assistant Director, Rotman Research
Institute, Baycrest
Professor, Psychiatry & Psychology, University of Toronto
Tier I Canada Research Chair, Neurocognitive Aging
416-785-2500, ext. 3525
[email protected]
Younger vs. older brains – use of PET and fMRI imaging to explore the functional changes that
occur in aging and how these relate to changes in behaviour; aging and distraction (inability
to concentrate); brain’s ability to reorganize (or compensate) as it ages and also in the early
stages of Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Angela Troyer
Professional Practice Chief of Psychology and Program Director, Neuropsychology and
Cognitive Health
416-785-2500, ext. 2445 (secretary)
[email protected]
Keeping your memory sharp, tips and strategies; memory changes as we age: what's normal,
what's not. Commercialization: Dr. Troyer is currently developing an online cognitive selfassessment tool with Toronto-based MaRS, for adults worried about their memory.
Dr. Kelly Murphy
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext. 3184
[email protected]
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and treatment strategies.
Dr. Nicole Anderson
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext.3366
[email protected]
Investigating cognitive exercise treatments for healthy adults and those with mild cognitive
impairment. Lead investigator on a Baycrest study (BRAVO) evaluating the impact of
volunteering on physical, psychosocial and cognitive health in retired adults.
Attention
Dr. Lynn Hasher
Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Professor, Psychology, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2767 (Mondays only)
416-978-7620 (University of Toronto)
[email protected]
Aging and distraction; attention regulation and time of day.
Dr. Cheryl Grady
Senior Scientist and Assistant Director, Rotman Research
Institute, Baycrest
Professor, Psychiatry & Psychology, University of Toronto
Tier I Canada Research Chair, Neurocognitive Aging
416-785-2500, ext. 3525
[email protected]
Middle age brain fog…what’s behind it? Aging and increased vulnerability to distraction,
difficulty concentrating.
Dr. Jennifer Ryan
Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Assistant Professor, Psychology, University of Toronto Tier II Canada Research Chair,
Cognitive Neuroscience of Memory
416-785-2500, ext. 3364
[email protected]
Age-related changes in attention and memory; visual processing; amnesia; investigating the
use of eye tracker technology as a research and diagnostic tool for assessing cognitive status.
Cognitive Impairments
Dr. Gordon Winocur
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Professor, Dept. of Psychology, Trent University
Professor, Depts. of Psychology and Psychiatry, U of T
416-785-2500, ext. 3592
[email protected]
Memory; hippocampus; cognitive changes associated with brain damage and aging in human
and animal models; how diet, diabetes and chemotherapy impact brain function.
Dr. Carol Greenwood
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Professor, Dept. of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2785
[email protected]
How diet impacts brain function; relationship of Type 2 Diabetes to cognitive function.
Dr. Morris Moscovitch
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Dr. Max and Gianna Glassman Chair in Neuropsychology, Baycrest and University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 3132
[email protected]
Changes in executive function that affect memory; disorders of word and face recognition;
amnesia, confabulation and other memory distortions; role of consciousness in memory.
See also the sub-headings: Amnesia and Other Memory Distortions, Alzheimer’s and Other
Dementias, Early Onset Dementias, Attention, Stroke Rehabilitation, Traumatic Brain Injury.
- 18 -
Baycrest Health Sciences 2014-2015 Experts Guide
Amnesia and Other Memory Distortions
Dr. Eva Svoboda
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Neuropsychology and Cognitive Health Program at Baycrest
Consultant neuropsychologist to West Park Healthcare Centre Lecturer in Neuropsychological
Rehabilitation, University of Toronto
Adjunct faculty member, Psychology graduate program, York University.
416-785-2500 ext. 3194
[email protected]
Using technology (e.g. smartphones) as assistive memory aids for adults with severe amnesia.
Dr. Morris Moscovitch
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Dr. Max and Gianna Glassman Chair in Neuropsychology, Baycrest and University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 3132
[email protected]
Amnesia; confabulation and other memory distortions; changes in executive function that affect
memory; role of consciousness in memory; age-related changes in attention and memory in
normal young and older people and in people with focal or degenerative brain lesions.
Dr. Jennifer Ryan
Scientist, Rotman Research Institute
Assistant Professor, Psychology, University of Toronto Tier II Canada Research Chair, Cognitive
Neuroscience of Memory
416-785-2500, ext. 3364
[email protected]
Age-related changes in attention and memory; visual processing; amnesia.
- 19 -
Baycrest Health Sciences 2014-2015 Experts Guide
Stress and Cognitive Function
Dr. Nasreen Khatri
Clinical Psychologist, Clinician Associate
Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext.3515
[email protected]
How to manage stress in our busy lives; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help
caregivers manage stress; depression, stress, anxiety; risk factors for women; caregiver
stress.
Diet and Cognitive Function
Dr. Carol Greenwood
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest
Professor, Dept. of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2785
[email protected]
Dr. Greenwood is Canada’s leading professor of nutrition and brain health, and co-author of
Mindfull (Harper Collins, 2013), a consumer-friendly, science-based cookbook with 100
delicious recipes for good brain health;studies the relationship of Type 2 Diabetes to
cognitive function. A frequent expert with print, broadcast and web media.
- 20 -
Baycrest Health Sciences 2014-2015 Experts Guide
Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Dr. Morris Freedman
Head, Division of Neurology and Medical Director, Sam and Ida Ross Memory Clinic, Baycrest
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Professor, Division of Neurology, Dept. of Medicine, and Director, Behavioural Neurology
Section, Division of Neurology, U of T
416-785-2500, ext. 6545 (secretary)
[email protected]
Dr. Freedman is one of Canada’s leading clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of some of
the most difficult-to-diagnose dementias. His expertise: understanding the mechanisms
underlying cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal
dementia, dementia with Lewy body disease, and related disorders.
Dr. Paul Verhoeff
Psychiatrist, Sam and Ida Ross Memory Clinic, Baycrest
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Associate Professor, Psychiatry, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2167
[email protected]
Early detection of Alzheimer’s using PET radiotracers for amyloid in the brain; effects of
changes in dopamine transmission on mood and cognitive processes.
Dr. Cheryl Grady
Senior Scientist and Assistant Director, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Professor, Psychiatry & Psychology, University of Toronto
Tier I Canada Research Chair, Neurocognitive Aging
416-785-2500, ext. 3525
[email protected]
Neuroplasticity: brain’s ability to reorganize (or compensate) both with normal age-related
cognitive decline and also in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
- 21 -
Baycrest Health Sciences 2014-2015 Experts Guide
Early-Onset Dementias
Dr. Morris Freedman*
Head, Division of Neurology and Director, Sam and Ida Ross Memory Clinic, Baycrest
Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Professor, Division of Neurology, Dept. of Medicine, and Director, Behavioural Neurology
Section, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 6545 (secretary)
[email protected]
One of Canada’s leading clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of some of the most
difficult-to-diagnose dementias. Expertise in understanding the mechanisms underlying
cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal dementia,
dementia with Lewy body disease and related disorders.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Dr. Brian Levine
Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Associate Professor, Psychology and Medicine (Neurology), University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 3593
[email protected]
Prefrontal and executive functioning; self-regulation; episodic memory; autobiographical
memory; recovery/reorganization of brain function. Dr. Levine is leading a research study
with retired NHL players to track their brain health over several years.
Dr. Deirdre Dawson
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Assistant Professor, Dept. of
Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 2136
[email protected]
Studying the effectiveness of new cognitive rehabilitation therapies on adults with traumatic
brain injury and stroke survivors.
- 22 -
Baycrest Health Sciences 2014-2015 Experts Guide
Brain Imaging
Dr. Randy McIntosh
Director, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Vice President of Research
Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 3522
[email protected]
Dr. McIntosh is leading an international team of scientists to build the world’s first,
functional virtual brain. His expertise: use of neuro-imaging methods (fMRI, PET, EEG and
MEG) and computational modeling to understand how the brain recovers or reorganizes
from damage or disease.
Dr. Stephen Strother
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Professor, Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto
Chair, Data Format Working Group, Neuroimaging Information
Technology Initiative, National Institutes of Health (U.S.)
416-785-2500, ext. 2956
[email protected]
How big data can lead to breakthroughs in understanding and dementia and other
neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Strother is site lead for Baycrest’s contribution to Brain
CODE, one of the world’s largest brain research databases with the Ontario Brain Institute.
Dr. Strother and his team are contributing cutting edge expertise in neuroimaging
infrastructure for the project which in essence is creating a “Google” for neuroscience.
Dr. Claude Alain
Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Associate Professor, Psychology, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 3523
[email protected]
Hearing, perception, attention; neuroimaging studies of auditory scene analysis using EEG;
aging and music perception.
- 23 -
Baycrest Health Sciences 2014-2015 Experts Guide
Brain Plasticity
Dr. Cheryl Grady
Senior Scientist and Assistant Director, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Professor, Psychiatry & Psychology, University of Toronto
Tier I Canada Research Chair, Neurocognitive Aging
416-785-2500, ext. 3525
[email protected]
Younger vs. older brains – use of PET and fMRI imaging to explore the functional changes
that occur in aging and how these relate to changes in behaviour; brain’s ability to
reorganize (or compensate) as it ages and also in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Randy McIntosh
Director, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Vice President of Research - Baycrest Centre
Reva James Leeds Chair in Neuroscience & Research Leadership
Professor, Psychology, University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 3522
[email protected]
Use of neuro-imaging methods (fMRI, PET, EEG and MEG), and computational modeling, to
understand how the brain changes and recovers from damage or disease.
Dr. McIntosh is leading an international team of scientists to build the world’s first,
functional virtual brain which could revolutionize how cognitive damage is rehabilitated
after stroke and in early stages of dementia.
- 24 -
Baycrest Health Sciences 2014-2015 Experts Guide
Dr. Brian Levine
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Associate Professor, Psychology and Medicine (Neurology), University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 3593
[email protected]
Recovery/reorganization of brain function after stroke, tumors, traumatic brain injury,
dementia; interested in the function and dysfunction of large-scale neural systems as
expressed in complex human behaviors, including episodic and autobiographical memory,
self-regulation, and goal management.
Dr. Donald Stuss
Maintains a scientific affiliation with the Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
(Currently) President and Scientific Director, Ontario Brain Institute
University Professor, Dept. of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Science; Department of
Medicine (Neurology), Faculty of Medicine; Centre for Studies of Aging, University of
Toronto (OBI office)
647-872-1217
[email protected]
Dr. Stuss is a world-renowned expert on the brain’s frontal lobes. Key areas of focus:
specification of frontal lobe brain-behaviour relations; the role of different frontal regions in
neuroanatomical functional systems; and the rehabilitation of these functions. Founding
director of the Rotman Research Institute, and former VP of Research at Baycrest.
Stroke and Cognitive Rehabilitation
Dr. Brian Levine
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Associate Professor, Psychology and
Medicine (Neurology), University of Toronto
416-785-2500, ext. 3593
[email protected]
Dr. Levine and his team have developed and are testing targeted interventions designed to
help patients recovering from brain damage improve executive functions such as working
memory, planning and goal management.
- 25 -
Baycrest Health Sciences 2014-2015 Experts Guide
Dr. Deirdre Dawson
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest
Member, Graduate Dept. of Rehabilitation Science, U of T
416-785-2500, ext. 2136
[email protected]
Higher-level brain processes, or executive functions, help us manage nearly every aspect of
our lives – from planning tasks to remembering details. Dr. Dawson investigates ways that
cognitive interventions can help people after serious brain injury get the most out of their
brains and improve their quality of life.
Culture, Arts & Innovation
Bianca Stern
Director, Culture, Arts & Innovation, Baycrest
416-785-2500, ext. 2695
[email protected]
Oversees the Innovation, Technology and Design Lab at Baycrest; the lab brings together, in
person and through virtual connection, leading thinkers from a range of disciplines including
health care, arts and design, architecture, anthropology, engineering, and others – all
working to transform the aging experience.
Amy Clements-Cortes, PhD
Senior Music Therapist, Practice Advisor, Baycrest
Assistant Professor, Music Therapy, University of Windsor
416-785-2500, ext. 2304
[email protected]
Music therapy for clients in nursing home and hospital, including palliative care; music for
health, memory; trends in music therapy research.
- 26 -
Baycrest Health Sciences 2014-2015 Experts Guide
Melissa Tafler
Senior Social Worker, Baycrest
Clinical Researcher
416-785-2500, ext. 2578
[email protected]
Evaluating the impact of professional arts on the cognitive health and social well-being of
older adults.
- 27 -
Baycrest Health Sciences 2014-2015 Experts Guide