This is the Decade When Breakthroughs Happen

This is the Decade When Breakthroughs Happen
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This is the Decade When Breakthroughs Happen
This is the Decade When Breakthroughs Happen
Watch now: The Power of Precision Medicine
Understanding Neuromodulation: A New Frontier in Brain Health
Discussions about defeating dementia often focus on finding a “magic pill.” However, other breakthroughs in brain health are steadily progressing.​
The Bresver Neuromodulation & Therapeutics Program explores innovative therapies applied over the scalp. This initiative is a key part of Baycrest’s predictive neuroscience for precision aging approach.​
“Non-invasive neuromodulation is one of the most promising interventions for preventing neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease,” says
Dr. Linda Mah
, Senior Clinician Scientist at
Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute
One modality being explored is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which uses an electromagnetic coil to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS has proven effective for treating major depressive disorder, a known risk factor for dementia.​
“TMS studies in high-risk populations, including individuals with mild cognitive impairment—a precursor to Alzheimer’s—show short-term effectiveness,” notes Dr. Mah. “More research is needed to determine whether TMS provides long-term cognitive benefits and can delay or prevent dementia.”​
Dr. Mah and her colleague, Dr. Jed Meltzer, Canada Research Chair in Interventional Cognitive Neuroscience, are conducting clinical trials using a specialized coil to stimulate the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). This region is critical for executive function, emotion regulation, and cognitive aging.
The Role of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Cognitive Enhancement
“Studies of ‘superagers’—older adults who perform as well as younger individuals on cognitive tests—show a larger ACC and stronger neural connections,” explains Dr. Mah. “This suggests the ACC is vital for successful cognitive aging.”​
Dr. Meltzer’s research focuses on stimulating the ACC in older adults with depression or subjective cognitive decline and a family history of Alzheimer’s.​
“Many older adults with a family history of Alzheimer’s worry about their own risk,” says Dr. Meltzer. “By targeting the ACC with neuromodulation, we aim to increase brain resilience and potentially delay or prevent cognitive decline.”
Photobiomodulation: Illuminating New Paths in Alzheimer’s Prevention
Another promising therapy is photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy. Recent research confirms that near-infrared light can penetrate the skull and potentially enhance brain function.​
“PBM is already used for reducing inflammation and accelerating healing,” states Dr. Jean Chen, Canada Research Chair in Neuroimaging of Aging. “However, its effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s is inconsistent. Our research aims to refine PBM by studying how factors like light energy, pulsation rate, and skin tone affect outcomes.”​
By mapping PBM’s effects on cellular function and blood circulation, Dr. Chen hopes to tailor treatments for better results. Eventually, doctors could prescribe light therapy for early dementia, allowing patients to use PBM devices at home.
Advancing Brain Health with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Neurologists
Dr. Howard Chertkow
and
Dr. Tyler Roncero
are leading studies on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which delivers a low-intensity current through the skull. Their research has gained support from the U.S. National Institute of Health.​
Their Phase 2 clinical trial, in collaboration with U.S. labs, investigates neuromodulation’s potential for treating primary progressive aphasia, a condition affecting speech and language. Another study explores improving mobility for progressive supranuclear palsy patients.​
“tDCS is already approved for conditions like depression and stroke,” mentions Dr. Roncero. “If proven effective for dementia, patients could purchase their own device for at-home therapy.”
A Collaborative Approach to Breakthroughs in Brain Health
The Bresver Neuromodulation & Therapeutics Program, coordinated by Dr. Roncero, unites multiple research labs to share findings and accelerate progress in neuromodulation therapies. With ongoing breakthroughs in brain health, Baycrest is at the forefront of developing new ways to combat dementia and enhance cognitive resilience.​
These collective efforts represent significant dementia breakthroughs, offering hope for improved prevention and treatment strategies.
Dr. Linda Mah
Dr. Howard Chertkow
Dr. Tyler Roncero
Next:
See how Baycrest is revolutionizing dementia care with Personalized Light Therapy
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Christy Morrow, CFRE
Christy brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in philanthropy, with a strong record of building high-performing teams, strengthening donor relationships, and advancing complex, mission-driven organizations.
Most recently, she served as Chief Development and Marketing Officer at Scott Mission, where she led a significant evolution of the organization’s fundraising strategy and, together with her team, helped drive meaningful growth in philanthropic support. Her career also includes senior leadership roles at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and other respected institutions, where she partnered closely with clinical, executive, and volunteer leaders to advance ambitious philanthropic goals.
Christy is known for her thoughtful, values-driven approach and deep experience in healthcare philanthropy.
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Cheryl Hanson, CFRE
Cheryl brings more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising and relationship building. She joined Baycrest Foundation as Chief Campaign Officer in August 2024, where she is leading the planning and execution of a transformational fundraising campaign supporting world-class dementia research, patient care, and brain health innovation.
Prior to Baycrest, Cheryl held senior leadership roles, most recently serving as Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Trans Canada Trail. There, she played a pivotal role in securing substantial financial support for national projects, expanding donor engagement, and driving impact for Canada’s iconic trail network.
Cheryl has a proven track record of advancing major fundraising campaigns. She has collaborated with diverse stakeholders across a wide range of Canadian charities, spanning the environment, education, and health sectors. Known for her dedication to meaningful philanthropy, she remains a champion of innovation and growth in the charitable sector.
Tammy Johnson
Tammy Johnson is an accomplished leader with a career spanning Rogers Communications, Bell TV, Sony TV, The NFL, and Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. She oversaw media, marketing, partnerships, business development and event portfolios, driving the organizations largest revenue sources respectively. Despite challenges like the pandemic, Tammy and her team successfully pushed ahead, activating the community to continue to raise funds to support life changing cancer research.
A proud mother of two, Tammy is passionate about her role as a leader and mentor.
Dr. Larissa McKetton
DIRECTOR OF SCIENTIFIC AND CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Larissa McKetton is the Director of Scientific and Clinical Development with Cogniciti Inc., associated with the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest.
As the population ages, there is an increased demand for brain health assessments, early detection, management, and treatment strategies for cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. As part of Cogniciti, Dr. McKetton engages in research focused on solutions to maintain cognitive health, increase independent aging, and reduce healthcare costs and caregiver support needs. Dr. McKetton brings all-encompassing experience in the healthcare space, in marketing and delivery of services to aging adults.
Having worked with industry partners, the healthcare sector, and in academia, she has a wide range of experience conducting brain-related studies encompassing aging neuroscience, multi-sensory system processing, and vascular brain health. She brings an extensive background in neuroimaging analysis, cognitive neuroscience, patient recruitment, mentorship, statistical, and business expertise.
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Don Goudy
Don Goudy joined Baycrest Foundation in November 2023 with over 20 years in progressive marketing management across numerous industries, including broadcast, advertising, and not-for-profit. Don is a former Director of Marketing at the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Salt & Light Media, Rogers and Bell Consumer Markets, with a focus on strategic content initiatives and revenue management.
Don oversees marketing communications, research and digital strategy for the Foundation’s development, peer-to-peer events and fundraising initiatives.
Pamela Isen
Pamela Isen joined the Baycrest Foundation in November 2012. She has over 20 years of executive level experience and exemplary professionalism in both healthcare and not-for-profit sector. In her role, Pamela works with the Foundation President & CEO and is a member of the Baycrest Foundation’s Senior Leadership Team. She is the Liaison for the Baycrest Foundation Board of Directors and the Manager of Foundation Operations.
Pamela leads a team of experienced donor relations representatives in the Tribute Office, ensuring a donor-centric mandate that fosters long-standing relationships and ongoing support for Baycrest. Prior to joining Baycrest, Pamela worked at The Hospital for Sick Children as the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and she is a Certified Respiratory Therapist.
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Jennifer Chen
Jennifer brings a solid track record of fundraising results and 20 years of experience in capital campaigns and major gifts. She leads a team of highly experienced professionals in major gifts, annual campaign, and donor stewardship at Baycrest, focusing on delivering excellent donor experience and advancing Baycrest strategic priorities. Prior to Baycrest, Jennifer served as the Director of Campaign & Major Gifts for Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation, where she worked with influential volunteers and donors and led the largest campaign in the history of the Markham and Stouffville region to success. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, and a Masters of Information Study from the University of Toronto.
Josh Cooper
Josh Cooper joined the Baycrest Foundation in February 2017. His 31 years of senior and executive management experience are coupled with a diverse entrepreneurial background in private business, not-for-profit, the charitable sector, public policy and electoral politics. He is the former CEO of the Jewish National Fund of Canada and the Founding Executive Director of the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC). A longtime volunteer with community organizations, Cooper is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Il Diamond Jubilee Medal and the B’nai Brith/Betar Tagar-Zeev Jabotinsky National Award for Campus Activism.
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