Summary

Target Population: Individuals who identify as East Asian, South Asian, or White
Target Age Group: 55–85
Location: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Bayview Campus, Toronto, ON Duration of Enrolment: 5 Years

Description

The aim of the CAMERA study is to better understand whether certain health and lifestyle factors (e.g., physical activity, high blood pressure, hearing ability) are related to early changes in memory and brain function in older adults. If certain lifestyle factors are found to be protective against detrimental changes in memory and brain function, it may lead to improved prevention/intervention strategies for dementia in Canada’s diverse communities.

Eligibility

We are enrolling adults, aged 55–85, who are relatively healthy and identify as East Asian, South Asian, or White. To be eligible, you must have no diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease. If you are unsure of whether you qualify, please reach out to us; we can provide you with more information about the eligibility criteria for CAMERA.

Compensation

Participants will be compensated $50 for each in-person study visit, and will be provided with a snack voucher and parking pass for Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Study Requirements

As part of the study, participants are asked to come to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre 2 times every 2 years for 5 years. During the study visits, participants will complete:

• Tasks assessing memory and thinking abilities
• Questionnaires about background and health
• A fasting blood draw
• A brain MRI scan
• A vital signs assessment (blood pressure, height, weight)
• A short walking and balance assessment

Each visit will last 4–5 hours. In between visits, you will be asked to wear a wrist watch-like device, which tracks your physical activity, for up to 2 weeks.

If you are interested in participating in CAMERA, please visit the participate page.

Funding

CAMERA is generously funded by: