Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Family Caregivers of older adults with dementia
Conducted by: Brain Health Mood Clinic/ Cognitive Behavior Therapy at Baycrest
Contact: Ursula Wiprzycka 416-785-2500 ext. 3633
Length of Study: for at least two years beginning January 2007.
Purpose of Study: The purpose of this study is to determine whether clinically depressed or anxious spousal caregivers who receive group cognitive behavioural therapy experience significant improvements in their mood and coping skills, as well as in their ability to manage dementia-related challenging behaviours.




Development of an Assessment Tool for Estimating Caregiver Resources, Vulnerabilities, and Homecare Needs
Conducted by: Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit at Baycrest
Contact: Dorota Milaszewski 416-785-2500 ext. 2989 dmilaszewski@klaru-baycrest.on.ca
Length of Study: recruitment began October 2005 and ends December 2007.
Purpose of Study: The purpose of this study is to develop a tool for assessing the personal resources and vulnerabilities of family caregivers of persons with dementia. By determining which health care and social services are required, the assessment tool could be used to match specific caregiver and care recipient needs with specific health and social support programs.

  For Persons with Dementia and Their Families    

Autobiographical Memory (AM) and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD)
Conducted by: Sheridan Elder Research Centre
Contact: Research Assistant: Rebecca Hart, 905-845-9430, ext. 8616, rebecca.hart@sheridaninstitute.ca
Principle investigator: Professor Kate McLean, 905-569-4956, kmclean@utm.utoronto.ca
Length of Study: for at least two years beginning January 2007.
Purpose of Study: The study will investigate the extent to which the details and emotional quality of autobiographical memories in individuals with ADRD, (compared with older adults without dementia), change over time. The study will also examine whether the quality of autobiographical memories, and changes in these qualities over time influence the ability of the person with ADRD to use these memories as a social tool, i.e. sharing stories to maintain important and intimate relationships in their life.





Pathways to Diagnosis: Cross-Cultural Experiences of the Pre-Diagnosis Period of Alzheimer’s Disease
Conducted by: New Women’s College Hospital (Dept. of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto) Research Group and DementiaNET
Contact: Research Assistant: Kennedy Saldanha 416-323-6400 ext 4483, kennedy.Saldanha@wchospital.ca
Length of Study: for 6 months beginning July 2007.
Purpose of Study: The study is investigating the pre-diagnosis period of Alzheimer’s disease with a view to understand the similarities and differences in beliefs and approaches across four Canadian cultural/linguistic groups. In Toronto and the GTA, the focus is on the South Asian community. Interviews will be approximately one hour in length.




Sirocco
Toronto Study Site: Toronto Memory Program
Contact: Laura Wilson 416-386-9761 laura@memorydisorders.ca
Length of Study: August 2007 to April 2008
Purpose of Study: Clinical testing of an investigational drug, AZD3480, to evaluate if it improves cognition in patients with mild or moderate AD compared to placebo (an inactive substance) and Donepezil.