Dementia Research: Now Recruiting

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

Drug Overdose Deaths Hit Highest Number Ever Recorded, CDC Data Shows

New data released by the CDC has revealed that drug overdose deaths rose by close to 30% in the United States in 2020 – hitting the highest number ever recorded. As in recent years, inappropriate use of opioids was behind most of the deaths. Overdoses from opioids have been steadily worsening in the US for decades. Congress has blamed the FDA for approving new synthetic opioids and some drug-makers have been prosecuted for their role in marketing them.  Doctors have also been blamed for overprescribing opioids and addicting people to them in the first place.

When are we going to stop talking about “what needs to be done” and actually introduce some bold changes here!? Sure, the FDA could introduce more oversight in prescribing – but you can’t take something away without empowering doctors with a safe and effective alternative. I won’t claim that cannabinoid-based medicine will solve this complex problem – but the fact that new doctors are graduating med school with zero knowledge about this much safer class of medicine and the majority of veteran doctors are still dismissive, is unacceptable and untenable given the evidence—especially when it comes to managing pain.

In the fight against opioid addiction we need to equip medical professionals with knowledge regarding safer alternatives AND improve patient access by providing more robust cost coverage.

Announcing that the Canadian government is investing $32.7 million in annual funding for targeting additions including treatment for opioid addictions.

This is fantastic to hear and couldn’t be more timely with opioid-related deaths surging in Ontario. I hope that the government will think outside the box in how they deploy this budget. As the former Primary Care Lead, Opioid Reduction Strategy, Addictions and Mental Health for the Erie St. Clair LHIN, we made the bold decision to train physicians in cannabinoid-based medicines as an opioid alternative.

The initial outcomes were very promising; however, the biggest barrier was COST. The more harmful drug we were trying to get people off of is covered and the alternative, safer, and equally effective drug, is not. Approximately 75% of heroin users report being introduced to opioids through prescription medications. We desperately need coverage for cannabinoid-based medicines & leaders who will make bold decisions to address this crisis.

Five Inflammation Fighting Food Swaps

Chronic inflammation in our bodies is the cause of all kinds of health problems, and over time, can lead to arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and cancer. A complete overhaul of your diet is challenging, so experts advise making smaller changes over time. Trying a series of simple swaps may add up to better health in the long term. 

Here are five simple substitutions you can use to help reduce the number of inflammation-promoting foods in your diet.