Cognitive Health and Dementia

As our populations live longer, the incidence of dementia and broader cognitive decline has markedly increased. Patients with dementia can live for decades with the condition, with both mental and physical faculties declining during this time. As a result, dementia is a growing public health priority across the globe.

The diverse nature of dementia’s impacts mean that we must take a similar approach with our research. Along with working to understand risk and protective factors for cognitive health and dementia, and early detection of cognitive decline and dementia risk, we are also researching the impact of dementia on lives. From health and social care considerations for persons living with dementia, and the lived experience of persons living with dementia among underserved and vulnerable populations, to interventions to promote health in the context of dementia, and policies surrounding dementia care in medical and social settings.

We employ a range of approaches and methodologies, including qualitative interviewing; performance, behavioural, and functional assessments; and analysis of survey and epidemiologic data – in service of promoting cognitive health, mitigating dementia risk, and enhancing quality of life among persons living with dementia and their carers.