Researchers know that certain lifestyle factors, such as healthy eating and exercise, support better brain health and help reduce the risk of developing depression, dementia and other neurological disorders. However, addressing lifestyle factors can seem overwhelming, and some older adults may not be ready or able to do so.
To support individuals in these situations, Dr. Jean Chen, Baycrest’s Canada Research Chair in Neuroimaging of Aging, aims to deliver non-invasive, personalized interventions to improve brain health as an alternative to implementing broad lifestyle changes. “Through my research, I hope to give older adults access to easy, noninvasive tools they can use regularly to maintain and improve their brain health,” says Dr. Chen, who is a senior scientist at Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute (RRI). “I really see this as the way of the future.”
One of the non-invasive brain health interventions she is investigating is low-level laser therapy. In this therapeutic technique, an infrared laser travels through the skull to improve vascular health and blood flow in the brain, which has been shown to enhance brain activity.
At present, many therapies designed to improve brain health in older adults require the patient to travel to a clinic or hospital on a regular basis. If low-level laser therapy is found to be beneficial, it could easily be adapted and used at home. This would increase the accessibility and reach of brain health treatments to benefit more older adults, including those living with depression, dementia and other neurological conditions.
Dr. Chen’s research is supported in part by the Linda Judith Reed Foundation. With their generous support, this work will have a profound impact on the lives of many older adults, creating a world in which everyone is empowered to age fearlessly.