Dementia Research: Now Recruiting

/
unsplash-image-GOMhuCj-O9w.jpg

Are you interested in working on a unique project that could impact the health and well-being of thousands of Canadians? If so, keep reading!

The Coronavirus pandemic has presented many challenges, but perhaps no group has felt the impact more significantly than our country’s nearly 200,000 long-term care (LTC) residents. LTC residents are among the most vulnerable to the virus and individuals living with dementia, which make up more than 64% of Ontario’s LTC residents, have been especially impacted, as significant and prolonged changes to their routines can impact their responsive behaviours and exacerbate symptoms. Even in a post-pandemic world, we must be prepared for long-standing changes, and it is essential that innovative solutions be explored immediately.

Through this trail-blazing research project, you will join experienced applied researcher, Dr. Mikelle Bryson-Campbell PhD, and internationally recognized cannabinoid medicine specialist, Dr. Blake Pearson MD, as part of the core research team to assess the impact of cannabinoid therapy on social engagement, quality of life, and well-being amongst individuals living with dementia in long-term care. The ultimate goal is to identify an additional dementia therapy that is safe, effective and promotes the opportunity for greater social participation, improved quality of life and reduced caregiver burden.

We’re looking for a part-time Research Assistant and two part-time Research Students to work on this trailblazing and much-needed research project. 

Research Assistant must be currently enrolled in or hold a Master’s or PhD in Health Sciences. Full job spec available here.

Research students must be completing their undergraduate degree or diploma from a Health Sciences program (Nursing, RPN, PSW, Pharmacy, etc.) Full job spec available here.

Please send all applications to Mikelle.bryson-campbell@lambtoncollege.ca. The deadline to apply is August 16, 2021

Opinion: AU/NZ College of Anaesthetists Position Statement On the Use of Medicinal Cannabis

/

My opinion on the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists position statement on the use of medical cannabis for non-cancer chronic pain: Unbalanced, uninformed and hypocritical.

Last week, the Faculty of Pain Management at the Australian and New Zealand’s College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) published guidance for health practitioners recommending against the prescription of medicinal cannabis for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP). We’ve seen a number of similar reviews over the last few years in both Australia and Canada and they continue to follow the same playbook. I weigh-in on the latest one in this video. I also encourage you to check out the balanced and very well-researched analysis written by Rhys Cohen here: https://www.cannabiz.com.au/medicinal-cannabis-and-chronic-pain-absence-of-evidence-is-not-evidence-of-absence/

Remember: “Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.”

CBD Reduces Plaque, Improves Cognitive Function in Model of Familial Alzheimer's

/

There is a dire need for novel therapies to improve outcomes for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease, which is considered one of the fastest-growing health threats of our time. 

In a promising new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, investigators reported that a two-week course of high dose CBD helped reduce plaque and improve cognitive function in an experimental model of early onset familial AD.

Familial disease is an inherited version of Alzheimer’s in which symptoms typically surface in the 30s and 40s and occurs in about 10-15% of patients.

Next steps include determining optimal doses and giving CBD earlier in the disease process. They also are exploring delivery systems including the use of an inhaler that should help deliver the CBD more directly to the brain. 

See article below for more information. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210309192548.htm 

Citation for journal article, available here https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33612548/