The HANDDS-ONT study launches in Ontario

TORONTO – Brain researchers, clinicians, and people interested in brain health are celebrating the launch of an innovative new research study employing the best of brain health assessment techniques and technologies, in the comfort of participants’ homes and communities.

The HANDDS-ONT study (Health in Aging, Neurodegeneration and Dementias in Ontario) is examining people living with neurodegenerative diseases or post-stroke, alongside a group of aging individuals who serve as controls.

The purpose of this study is to:

• better understand how the diseases studied affect different people
• discover methods to potentially detect the diseases earlier
• find ways to help people manage their daily health related behaviours

Select health and activity data will be collected virtually, using wearable technologies (small sensors worn on the wrist, ankle and chest for 7-10 days), while participants comfortably go about their everyday activities.

Further data will be gathered through mood and quality-of-life questionnaires. Finally, blood samples will be collected to help researchers understand how one’s genetic makeup can potentially lead to earlier detection of some conditions, and for analysis of certain risk factors.

Combining the information from the sensors (walking patterns, sleep, heart rate/rhythm, etc.), the questionnaires and the blood samples, will allow researchers to better understand aging, with and without a neurodegenerative condition, over a period of time.

Participants will receive personalized health and activity reports, based on data from the wearables. These reports can be shared with participants’ circle of care, and may provide guidance for self-care.

Participants have the opportunity to provide feedback on this innovative study, for future study design.

Dr. Richard Swartz (pictured), a Neurologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences and ONDRI co-lead, is the lead investigator for HANDDS-ONT.

“We are very excited to be launching HANDDS-ONT. This study is based on three years of intense preparation and pilot studies, where we took the best of what we learned in earlier ONDRI research, along with similar studies around the world, and translated it for application in the home and community,” said Dr. Swartz.

He continues: “This first phase of HANDDS-ONT is what we call the core study. We are seeking hundreds of participants for this study, to make the largest impact to the science. We will also be adding focused impact studies, or modules, to the HANDDS core, to hone in on specific aspects of the populations we study, such as issues in Parkinson’s disease or ALS. This study represents a very exciting inroad into the science of neurodegeneration and dementia.”

HANDDS-ONT is seeking participants who are identified through their care teams, or who discover the study on their own, and would like to inquire further.

Eligibility:

1. Ontario residents, 18 years of age or older, who are living with a neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s Disease/Mild Cognitive Impairment, Parkinson’s Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or are post-Stroke.
2. Or any adult living independently with no diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease.

For more information, visit ondri.ca/handds-inquiries.