Studies related to older participants

Human Harmonized Touchscreen Tasks

Western Interdisciplinary Research Building (WIRB)/Social Science Centre (SSC)

Many disorders - like Alzheimer's disease or ADHD - can affect mental abilities like memory and attention. To explore how these effects could be related to changes in the brain, or to test new drug treatments, scientists often use mice or rats to model these disorders. However, tests of mental abilities can look very different for mice compared to people, and sometimes the results of these tests do not match. To address this issue, we have adapted several mouse touchscreen tests for use with people and are looking for a group of healthy volunteers to try them out. Our goal is to confirm that the tests are working as expected, to compare results to our existing mouse tests, and to collect data for developing future studies.

ADNIRS

Western Interdisciplinary Research Building (WIRB)

Through this study, we are aiming to understand the mental abilities of patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) while watching short movies. Previous research has shown that watching an engaging movie can lead to specific patterns of brain activity that can tell us about the mental abilities of the viewer. In this study, patients with AD, healthy older adults, and healthy young adults, will view short movies while undergoing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) imaging. By investigating differences or similarities in brain activity related to movie-watching in these groups, we can learn about the mental abilities and experiences of patients with AD. Findings from this study may have important practical and ethical implications for the patients’ standard of care and quality of life.

Neurofeedback Study

Parkwood Institute (PI)

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Imagining movement has shown promise for movement rehabilitation after stroke. Neurofeedback with functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) may improve the quality of imagery, thereby improving functional outcomes. The proposed study aims to determine whether fNIRS can be used as a neurofeedback tool in stroke survivors.

Sensory processing in development and in autism

Online & Western Interdisciplinary Research Building (WIRB)

How we perceive the world greatly impacts how we interact with it. Sensory perception is known to change throughout development and to be different in children with developmental disorders such as autism. This study will explore the developmental trajectory of how we perceive the world, how the development of sensory processing differs in autism, and what the neural underpinnings of this typical and atypical development are.