PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS
Testimonial #1
When I heard about this CAMERA study, I enrolled for participation for it. Being a South Asian, I thought it was very important that they have data which can help in their research. All aspects of the study I found very valuable, interesting and I enjoyed all the sessions. A lot of detail work was involved and they were conducted very thoroughly. I talked to many South Asian friends and emphasized the importance and the necessity for this study. And many joined on my recommendation.
Testimonial #2
I joined the CAMERA study after reading the 2024 report issued by the Alzheimer society of Canada. The report forecasts that by 2050, 1 in 4 people with dementia in Canada will be of Asian origin. I was at first apprehensive about having the cognitive, memory tests, and a brain MRI done, but I appreciated that these tests would be available unlike at my standard medical check ups. These results will provide valuable health information to me about early detections for possible health issues. I highly recommend others in my community to participate in the study.
Testimonial #3
As I was getting older I saw more people were dealing with memory problems.I was concerned about myself, what I should do to prevent this happening to me. As luck would have it, I saw Dr. Jennifer Rabin's on-line presentation which was shown to our seniors' group. When Rohina contacted me, I was very excited to participate in the study, learn about my own cognitive processes and help others in doing so. I found it all very interesting, especially the cognitive testing and the MRI. Rohina and Simran were so helpful and made me feel at ease while I was there. I would recommend others to participate in the study especially those in the South Asian group, as this group has the lowest amount of participants. They could learn about their own cognitive processes, could help others and future generations. Also there is monetary compensation.
Testimonial #4
I learned a few decades ago that medical studies are not conducted inclusively, that as a diasporic South Asian female the results may not reflect what is ‘normal’ for me. This affects treatment, lifestyle, perception, any number of things that are important to health. I began asking whether statistics, medications, or treatments took my demographic into account separately and was met with a negative each time. For my family, for my community, for myself, I decided this had to change. One of my parents is in cognitive decline and I heard about this study through newsletters about dementia. There is so much stigma around poor mental health, and in my experience the South Asian community generally treats it as a defect, often leading to things like denial, shunning, shame, and/or suicide. This also has to change, so it just made sense to me to participate and encourage others to participate as well. It has been interesting and enjoyable, and the people running the study are smart, thoughtful, supportive, and kind. Participation is not onerous and everyone benefits – South Asian or not, those with dementia or not. I am proud to be contributing in this way.
Testimonial #5
I joined the CAMERA study because our family was caught off guard when our sister was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I have similar life experiences to my sister and if Alzheimer’s would be in my future, I wanted an early diagnosis. The study includes cognitive testing and 3 brain MRIs over 5 years that I could not get as part of my regular medical check up. I also wanted to be part of the study because the South Asian Community is not usually part of research studies.
Testimonial #5
It is said that you mourn the loss of a loved one not once but twice to Azheimers. Helping protect people at risk is a worthwhile life objective. Of greatest value to me is the comprehensive review of my overall health including the full brain MRI. The care and attention of CAMERA staff respected my personal time, while also making me feel comfortable and safe. I would definitely recommend others to participate in the study. Participating not only raises awareness of preventive lifestyles against dementia risk, but contributes to a ground breaking demographic study of dementia health in Canada.
Testimonial #6
My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer dementia in her late 70's and this progressed from mild symptoms to eventually being unable to speak or care for herself. She passed away at age 88, but the last five to ten years were not good for her or our family. As a CAMERA participant, I really enjoyed the care I received from the clinical research staff who were very personable in all of my interactions. Some of the sessions were tedious, but overall the experience was very positive for me. Helping to unlock the mysteries of how some people develop this debilitating condition seems like a good cause to me...personally having witnessed it in our own family.
Testimonial #7
I volunteered to participate in the CAMERA study to learn more about my cognitive health, and contribute to the development of preventive measures and treatments for early cognitive decline. It was a positive experience, thanks to the friendly and respectful researchers who made me feel at ease throughout the process. Cognitive testing, challenging at times, made for good brain exercise. I encourage older adults to participate to help advance the understanding of dementia risk and protective factors.
Testimonial #8
I have been involved with CAMERA for a few years now. I started this initially due to personal reasons as I had lost a close family member to Alzheimer's disease. I have never felt uncomfortable or pushed around in any of the processes I've participated in. I invite members of the South Asian community to join me and participate in this research to help in our little way so that a cure and/or reasons for this disease can be found.
Testimonial #9
I first learned about the CAMERA study during a webinar on the stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s. The presenters highlighted that existing data did not adequately represent individuals from communities such as Chinese, South Asian, and Non‑Hispanic White populations. When I heard that CAMERA was seeking participants for a five‑year study, I felt motivated to join. I know how challenging the healthcare system can be, and I saw this as an important opportunity both to contribute to more inclusive research and to have my own health and wellbeing monitored over time. I’ve found the cognitive and in‑person tests particularly engaging, as they give me insight into my own health. The staff have been consistently kind, supportive, and professional, which makes the experience very positive. Even small gestures, like providing free parking coupons and quiet meeting space when I had to take an important meeting on the same day, show the thoughtfulness and care that go into making participation accessible and welcoming. I would recommend the CAMERA study because it offers a comprehensive way to stay informed about your health and wellbeing. Participants benefit from professional monitoring through blood work, MRIs, cognitive assessments, and eye tests — all at no cost. Beyond personal health benefits, joining the study also helps ensure that underrepresented communities, such as South Asians, are included in the data. This representation is vital for advancing knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes for everyone. This is such a great way to give back.