Become a Member
Donate
Research
;

How can our research Help you?

At the Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health & Wellness we believe that it’s never too late to invest in your brain health! Did you know that 40% of dementia cases could be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle? That’s why the Kimel Family Centre is here for you! Learn if programming tailored to your personal risk factors can help maintain your brain health and help reduce your risks of dementia.

By participating in our research assessments, you will receive a personalized risk report and programming strategy. With this, our team will track the effects of these approaches on your cognition and dementia risk factors.

Learn more about what it means to be a member

Am I eligible to participate?

You can participate in our research to become a Kimel Family Centre member if you meet the following eligibility requirements:

Z

Aged 50 or over

Z

Have not been diagnosed with dementia

Z

Fluent in English (speaking and writing)

Z

Able to afford the introductory rate of $25 a month + tax

This membership fee helps to cover the cost of programming. The research study is funded through grants and other donor contributions.

What’s involved in the assessment?

The Assessment

As the Kimel Family Centre is a research-driven facility, members will be asked to provide informed consent to participate in the research assessment.

 

Welcome & Onboarding appointment

01

Assessment #1: Questionnaire

02

Assessment #2: Blood & Saliva collection

03

Assessment #3: Clinical tests

04

Receive your dementia risk report & program strategy

05

Register for Programs

06

Our membership waitlist is now open.

Join today and start your brain health revolution. Sign up and our team will contact you when a membership becomes available.

Please note: due to a high-level of interest, it may be a few weeks before prospective members are contacted.

Sign up today
Contact Us

FAQs about Research

How long is the assessment?

The assessment is approximately 4.5 hours in total, however you do not have to complete it all in one day. We only ask that you aim to have all four (4) parts of your assessment completed within 2 weeks of your registration day.

How long is the assessment?

The assessment is approximately 4.5 hours in total, however you do not have to complete it all in one day. We only ask that you aim to have all four (4) parts of your assessment completed within 2 weeks of your registration day.

What does the assessment consist of?

The assessment consists of four parts. You may complete all of them at once, or as units – so long as you complete within 2 weeks of the day you register with us:

  1. Participant Consent Form. Review the consent form with our senior research coordinator. Sign the form to provide your consent to participate in the research study. (30 min)
  2. Questionnaires. Tell us about your demographics, health history, leisure-time activities, psychological health, and family history of dementia. (30 minutes)
  3. Blood and Saliva Collection. This takes place at the Rotman Research Institute, located at Baycrest main campus. (30 – 60 minutes)
  4. Clinical Assessment. This includes measurement of your height, weight, blood pressure, physical activity levels, sensory-motor functioning, cognition, and non-invasive tests to determine body composition and muscle health. (2.5 hours)
Who will be conducting the assessments?

Our senior research coordinator is an international medical graduate and an experienced clinical researcher with a demonstrated history of working in FDA-approved clinical trials in the field of neurology.

Getting to my assessment - can we bring someone with us to the assessment?

The majority of assessments will occur within the Kimel Family Centre (with the exception of blood and saliva collection at the Rotman Research Institute – accessible either by foot, car, or shuttle bus).

All assessments must be done independently. Should you require the help of a caregiver or family member, they are welcome to escort you to your assessments.

We also have volunteers on site who will be happy to assist and direct you as requested.

What if I have to reschedule my assessment?

We understand that things arise and you might have to reschedule. You can reschedule your assessment via our Reception at kimelcentre@research.baycrest.org, in-person, or by phone 416-785-2500 ext. 3666.

When will I get my assessment report and what will be included in it?

Your report will be available once all of the assessments have been completed. It will include your Personalized Dementia Risk Report and Program Strategy to help reduce your dementia risk factors. Then, every six-months, you’ll get an updated report as a re-evaluation of your dementia risk factors following participation in our programs.

Do I have to be a part of the research study in order to participate in programs?

Yes, as a research-based community centre, members must be a part of the research study in order to participate in programs.

The only exception is residents of the Baycrest Terraces and 2 Neptune, who can choose whether they want to be part of the research study.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to participate in the Kimel Family Centre?

A referral from your family doctor is not required. However, if following all of your assessments we determine that you require clearance to participate in physical activity programs, we will provide you with a medical clearance form for your doctor to sign.

Will I be able to withdraw from the research once we’ve started?

Participation in the research study is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time. Please note that in choosing to withdraw, you are also electing to end your membership with the Kimel Family Centre, and thus will no longer have access to programs.