Dementia from a Research Perspective

Research is vital to finding better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat dementia and improve the quality of life of those affected by it. The Alzheimer Society Research Program connects researchers with individuals looking to participate in studies. 

Below are several opportunities to get involved and help advance research on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Please refer to the contact information listed for each study.

Meaningful conversations with family caregivers in long-term care: Weighing risk 

Are you currently providing care to a family member or friend who lives in long-term care, or have you provided care to someone recently?  

St. Thomas More College at the University of Saskatchewan invites you to participate in a confidential interview to discuss your experiences with caregiving dilemmas, both during the pandemic and at other times.  

The interview will take approximately 75 minutes over WebEx, a secure videoconferencing software application. 

If you are interested in participating, please contact Ivy Myge at hdlab@stmcollege.ca by May 31, 2022. You can also call (306) 966-2175. 

The Canadian Guideline for Safe Wandering Website 

The University of Waterloo is conducting a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the interactive, website version of the Canadian Guideline for Safe Wandering. The guide encourages the use of proactive strategies to promote safe wandering among persons with dementia that are at risk of getting lost.

Three research activities will be conducted: (1) online surveys, (2) writing in a diary, and (3) interviews. Study participants must be 18 years or older who live with mild dementia, have normal or corrected vision or hearing impairments with vision or hearing aids, and have an interest in reducing the risk of persons living with dementia from getting lost. 

If you are interested in participating or would like further information, please contact Noelannah Neubauer at nneubaue@uwaterloo.ca or (780) 909-8625.   

Experiences of local community-based programs and services in rural Saskatchewan

The Rural Dementia Action Research (RaDAR) Team at the University of Saskatchewan needs input from people living with dementia and family caregivers of people living with dementia from the Kipling, Weyburn, Bengough, Radville, and Carlyle areas.

Participants will complete one 45-60-minute phone interview. Persons living with dementia and their family caregivers may opt to participate individually or as a joint interview.

Contact Valerie Elliot for more information: 306-966-6645 or v.elliot@usask.ca.

Public Engagement on Virtual Care in Saskatchewan

Virtual care uses certain technologies, such as video conferencing and specific apps. Telephone, text, and email are also included under the virtual care umbrella. Millions of medical appointments took place using these methods during the pandemic.

The Government of Saskatchewan wants to learn more about how these medical appointments are working for patients and health care providers. If you haven’t used virtual care yet, they want to know why not.

Click here to share your thoughts and help shape the future of virtual care.

There are several ways to provide input, such as voting in polls, completing a survey, and sharing a story or idea. Participation opportunities will be open until April 30th, 2022.

If you require an alternate method of participation, please contact: (306) 787-6750 or email virtualcare@health.gov.sk.ca.