Current Projects
Check out the exciting projects in our lab!
The DalCAB
In this project, we are developing a cognitive assessment tool, called the Dalhousie Computerized Attention Assessment Battery (DalCAB). When finished, the DalCAB will provide us with an “attention report card” for each individual, listing strengths and weaknesses. We can then use the tool for patient assessment, to guide therapy and to monitor outcomes.
Parkinson’s
Movement difficulties are not the only symptoms of Parkinson’s. Some people with Parkinson’s have trouble paying attention or holding information in their minds in order to do a task, such as reading, or listening to a conversation. In this study we want to see if doing daily mental exercises can improve thinking and daily activities.
Learn more about the Parkinson’s Study.
Prism Adaptation
Right hemisphere brain damage is often associated with an attention disorder called “visuo-spatial neglect.” Neglect is a problem with attending, orienting or responding to information on the left side of the body or the left side of the world. Patients with neglect often bump into obstacles on the left, leave food on the left side of their plate and forget to dress or clean the left side of their body. There is no standard treatment for neglect and our Prism Adaptation (PA) studies are focused on developing this technique to treat neglect.
Learn more about Prism Adaptation.
Working Memory Studies
Working memory is the ability to hold information in mind so that you can “work” with it – it is like your “mental scratchpad.” You are using it when you read, have a conversation, do math in your head, or try to solve a problem. Aging or brain disease/injury commonly affects working memory, and there are a number of ongoing projects trying to understand our working memory is affected and how to make it better.
Learn more about our current Working Memory studies.
Natural History of Neglect
Right hemisphere stroke often results in Visuo-Spatial Neglect, an attention disorder that makes it difficult to pay attention to the left side of the body or world. Individuals with neglect often leave food on the left side of their plate, forget to dress the left side of their body, or bump into things on the left. This problem makes it difficult to go back to normal independent living.
Leisure Activity Survey
Neurological disorders and injuries such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease, are commonly associated with cognitive impairments in attention, memory and thinking. By identifying what leisure activities adults enjoy, our research team at the Brain Repair Centre can appropriately design a fun and engaging game-like therapy that will encourage and motivate patient rehabilitation. How can you help? Take part in ourLeisure Activity Survey!
Learn more about the Leisure Activity Survey.