The Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and Wellness is where people age 50+ prioritize their brain health. A personal assessment determines individual risks for developing dementia. Members are then “prescribed” a wellness and lifestyle plan to help reduce specific risk factors.

This is a unique and remarkable undertaking that will clarify just how lifestyle choices affect whether people develop dementia. Here’s how it works:

• New members take part in a thorough assessment that includes simple genetic and memory tests, blood work, and details of chronic health conditions, general health, lifestyle, muscle mass, and physical fitness levels. Gut health and brain health are closely linked, so we also get a baseline of their gut microbiome. Members are assessed every year.
• Each member receives a personalized plan based on their individual needs and participates in programs such as fitness and aquatics; lectures and continuing education; mind, body, and soul wellness; performing arts; nutrition and cooking; fine arts and crafts; events, games, and social clubs.
• Members with a high risk of developing dementia receive enriched programming tailored especially for them.
• All programming promotes social engagement as loneliness is a known risk for cognitive decline.

Over time we’ll learn just how much lifestyle choices can help reduce dementia. What we learn will save lives.

“The Kimel Centre is a remarkable undertaking and the direct result of the forward vision of our staff and donors. Members are making major personal health decisions to reduce their dementia risk and helping us learn how much lifestyle changes can help reduce the onset of dementia. This is an exciting new chapter in the fight against dementia.”

– Dr. Howard Chertkow, Chair in Cognitive Neurology and Innovation, Director Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and Wellness.

PARTNERSHIPS FOR BRAIN HEALTH

The Kimel Centre is the flagship dementia prevention location of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA), a research initiative comprising more than 300 researchers across Canada. Together, the Centre and the CCNA are working on a Brain Health PRO online education project to support people in improving their diet, exercise, and other strategies for preventing dementia.

Initially, the project followed 350 people across Canada who were enrolled in a 12-month program. In the next phase of testing, Kimel Centre members will receive in-person programs and use Brain Health PRO. Their progress will be compared to that of another 600 people across Canada who will only receive Brain Health PRO. By tracking activities, fitness regimes, and sleep patterns, scientists will learn if this online program is an option that individuals can stick to, and whether they can alter their behaviours for the better.

Researchers and scientists from across the country will also have access to the Kimel Centre, opening the potential for exciting and promising new research and treatments.

HEATHY GUT, HEALTHY BRAIN

Gum and mouth, gut, and brain health are related because abnormal bacteria in the mouth and gut can produce inflammation that affects the brain. A new study is analyzing the microbiome (DNA from the bacteria) of the mouth and gums in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and early forms of memory loss. The study hopes to demonstrate that a distinguishable subgroup of people with Alzheimer’s disease show evidence of inflammation of the gums, and that this might require distinct therapies to delay progression of brain disease. Our researchers want to identify how a healthy gut, exercise and nutrition are connected to brain health, and, hopefully, motivate people to lead healthier lifestyles.