The Dementia Advisory Committee
DAC Purpose
The Dementia Advisory Committee (DAC) is an initiative led by the Hotchkiss Brain Institute Dementia Neuroteam and community members. Through patient partnership, the DAC brings together people living with dementia, care partners, and community members to help shape dementia research at the University of Calgary.
We Seek to:
- Advise on the design, priorities, and processes of dementia-related research led by the HBI Dementia Neuroteam
- Ensure research projects align with the priorities of those affected by dementia-related disorders
- Improve healthcare systems and health outcomes for people living with dementia and their care partners
What's a Patient Partner?
A patient partner is a member of the research team who uses their lived experience to help guide research.
In dementia research, this includes:
- People living with dementia
- Family members and care partners
- Others with lived experience supporting someone with dementia
Patient partners help ensure research is relevant, accessible, and meaningful!
DAC Members
DAC Support Staff
Arya Khadka, Jenna Jepson
Patient Partners
Iona Boughton, Geoff Chow, Michael Graham, Kathy Grimwood, Nancy Nelson, Andrea Salomon, Donna Shukys, Sogna Stipanov
Research Representatives
Dr. Julia Kirkham, Dr. Eric Smith
L to R Back: Jenna Jepson, Nancy Nelson, Michael Graham, Dr. Dallas Seitz, Kathy Grimwood, Dr. Eric Smith. L to R Front: Iona Boughton, Donna Shukys, Sogna Stipanov. Not pictured: Dr. Julia Kirkham, Arya Khadka, Geoff Chow, Andrea Salomon
Dementia in the News
Blood Test Screening for Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers are developing blood tests to detect Alzheimer’s disease earlier by identifying biomarkers such as amyloid-beta and p-tau217 proteins. Early studies show promising results, but further research is needed before these tests can be widely implemented in clinical care.
Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/alzheimer-blood-test-sweden-1.7278762
Calgary's FORE: Benefits of Dementia-Inclusive Golf
The Love of Golf is a dementia-inclusive pilot program by the City of Calgary, University of Calgary researchers, and Alzheimer Calgary that helps people living with dementia and their care partners return to golf. The 12-week program provided support through trained volunteers, dementia-friendly adaptations, and opportunities for social connection. Early observations suggest the program improved mood, confidence, and quality of life for participants and care partners.
UCalgary Research Explores Vascular Links to Alzheimer’s
UCalgary researchers discovered that the brain’s vascular system may play a key role in Alzheimer’s disease. The study identified CD2AP, a protein in brain blood vessels, as a potential factor linked to memory function and disease risk. Researchers found that lower CD2AP levels in brain blood vessels were associated with greater memory decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Driving Patterns as Potential Predictor of Alzheimer's
UCalgary’s Healthy City Lab developed a “route complexity metric” to detect subtle changes in driving and navigation linked to preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that older adults with early Alzheimer’s-related brain changes tended to shift toward simpler, more direct routes, suggesting navigation changes may appear before memory symptoms.
Alberta Health Services: Dementia Advice
Alberta Health Services (AHS) provides dementia information, support, and resources for people living with dementia and their care partners, including education, health advice, community resources, guidelines, and assessment tools.
Website: Advancing Dementia Care & Support in Alberta | Alberta Health Services
Phone number: 811
Alzheimer Calgary
Alzheimer Calgary provides free, confidential consultations and support from registered social workers for individuals and families affected by dementia. They offer information, resources, and guidance for the Calgary community.
Website: Dementia Support Resources (alzheimercalgary.ca)
Phone number: (403) 290-0110
Email: findsupport@alzheimercalgary.ca
Dementia Network Calgary
The Dementia Network Calgary has many helpful resources and toolkits related to living with dementia.
Website: Dementia Resources - Dementia Network Calgary
Phone number: (403) 290-0110
Newsletter: Sign up here
Memory SPACE
Memory SPACE (Socialization, Positivity, Activities, Connection, Empathy) is a peer-to-peer support program for individuals experiencing memory loss and their caregivers. The program uses activities, music, and shared experiences to encourage connection, engagement, and memory stimulation.
Interested in becoming part of the Memory SPACE Group? Please contact the Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society (GFLS).
Phone: (403) 272-4661
Email: support@gfls.org
Contact Us
Investigators
If you are a University of Calgary researcher interested in partnering with the Dementia Advisory Committee or involving patient partners in your research, please contact Arya Khadka at arya.khadka1@ucalgary.ca
Please share a brief description of your project and any details about the type of patient partner involvement you are seeking.
Future Patient Partners
If you have lived experience with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia and are interested in becoming involved with health research, please contact Arya Khadka at arya.khadka1@ucalgary.ca