CEHA Research Highlights
Communities & Healthy Aging
On Thursday, January 25, 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada presented Cape Breton University with nearly $1 million to fund actions in support of healthy aging. The funding will allow CBU to explore opportunities and impacts of community programs that challenge the modifiable risks of dementia.
Programs will be offered across Cape Breton communities, customized to the unique nature of rural and semi-rural communities, culturally and geographically, with input of local community members. Activities may focus on music, art, nutrition, exercise and social activities, all recognized as supporting healthy aging, and in particular, brain health.
CLICK HERE for details on Communities & Healthy Aging activities in Judique, Whitney Pier, Glace Bay and Cheticamp. Activities will get underway in September 2024.
Health Research Conference at CBU
Planning is underway for CBU’s Health Research Conference, October 17-19, 2024. Conference title: Collaborative Approaches to Healthy Rural Communities
Click here for more information, including how to submit an abstract and register.
CURRENT & RECENT PROJECTS
CCNA and CANTHUMBS-UP
The Centre of Excellence for Healthy Aging engaged with the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) in a national study designed to reduce risk factors for dementia by examining the impact of prevention. CCNA is the premier hub for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research in Canada and a global leader in research on all aspects of neurodegenerative diseases from prevention to treatment to improving the quality of life of those living with the disease.
This study targeted people aged 60-85 from across Canada, offering the opportunity to increase their knowledge of dementia, improve lifestyle risk factors and engage with researchers. This research is part of the Canadian Therapeutic Platform Trial for Multidomain Interventions to Prevent Dementia, or CANTHUMBS-UP. The project examines interventions that focus on modifiable risks that are attached to seven domains associated with brain health.
The Seven Domains of Brain Health
- Physical Activity
- Cognitively Stimulating Activities
- Diet
- Sleep
- Social and Psychological Health
- Vascular Health
- Vision and Hearing
The research engaged participants in an online program, Brain Health PRO (BHPro), offering interactive digital educational modules to empower older adults to improve their physical and mental health, and modify their risk factors for dementia.
CEHA is one of six research sites across Canada working with CCNA, focused on participants in both Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
To learn more about this project, visit: CANTHUMBS-UP.
