Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area is proud to announce a new research collaboration with the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region (ASDR), strengthening its commitment to community-based research that improves lives across generations. 

“This collaboration reflects Trent’s mission to engage students in learning that meaningfully engages with the world around us,” said Scott Henderson, vice-president and head of Trent University Durham GTA. “By facilitating these intergenerational experiences, we’re helping shape compassionate leaders and healthier communities.”

One of the first projects to emerge from this collaboration is a research initiative led by Dr. Raheleh Saryazdi, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, along with her team at the Cognition, Health, Aging, and Technology (CHAT) Lab at Trent Durham. 

The project explores the power of intergenerational programming in fostering meaningful social connections between university students and persons living with dementia. During weekly placements, students will engage in conversations with persons living with dementia through various activities, including some that use technology-based tools such as virtual reality headsets and tablets.

“This approach offers students hands-on experiential learning opportunities, helping them build empathy, communication skills, and real-world experience in dementia care,” said Professor Saryazdi, who is also an affiliate scientist at the University Health Network’s KITE Research Institute and an executive member of the Trent Centre for Aging and Society. “At the same time, persons living with dementia could benefit from the increased social engagement, helping to reduce feelings of social isolation and improve their overall well-being.”

ASDR brings invaluable expertise to the project, helping ensure the programming is relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of local communities. Together, Trent Durham and ASDR aim to co-create a model for dementia support that can be expanded throughout Durham Region and beyond. The collaboration will also help inform the development of future initiatives at ASDR, such as a proposed new dementia-friendly community hub and care campus. 

"Trent University Durham GTA and the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region are proud to partner in advancing dementia research and support,” said Gillian Barrie, Chief Executive Officer of ASDR. “This collaboration aims to foster meaningful social connections, enhance empathy and communication skills, and improve the overall well-being of individuals living with dementia and their care partners. We’re excited to work with Trent to help build a brighter future for our community."

This initiative is also supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts from institutions such as the KITE Research Institute, Ontario Shores for Mental Health Sciences, and Western University.  

About Trent University Durham GTA

Having established a tradition of academic excellence spanning five decades in the east GTA, Trent University Durham offers a dynamic and rigorous educational experience rooted in the social sciences, humanities and professional programs. Students at Trent University Durham GTA enthusiastically speak of the unparalleled sense of community on campus and the opportunity to be involved in a vibrant and dynamic student life experience. Quickly becoming the campus of choice for top scholars looking for a truly personalized learning experience, Trent University Durham GTA is conveniently located in the GTA, just 40 minutes from downtown Toronto while Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto

About Alzheimer Society Durham Region

The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their care partners. ASDR offers a range of services including counselling, support groups, education, and active living/social programs for both people living with dementia and care partners and family members. Learn more about available programs and services by visiting www.alzheimer.ca/durham.