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Differences in walking patterns could predict type of cognitive decline in older adults
LONDON, ON - Canadian researchers are the first to study how different patterns in the way older adults walk could more accurately diagnose different types of dementia and identify Alzheimer’s disease.
A new study by a Canadian research team, led by London researchers from Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University, evaluated the walking patterns and brain function of 500 participants currently enrolled in clinical trials. Their findings are published today in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association.
“We have longstanding evidence showing that cognitive problems, such as poor memory and executive dysfunction, can be predictors of dementia. Now, we’re seeing that motor performance, specifically the way you walk, can help diagnose different types of neurodegenerative conditions,” says Dr. Manuel Montero-Odasso, Scientist at Lawson and Professor at Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
Dr. Montero-Odasso is world renowned for his research on the relationship between mobility and cognitive decline in aging. Leading the Mobility, Exercise and Cognition (MEC) team in London, he is pioneering novel diagnostic approaches and treatments to prevent and combat early dementia.
This study compared gait impairments across the cognitive spectrum, including people with Subjective Cognitive Impairment, Parkinson’s Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia and Frontotemporal dementia, as well as cognitively healthy controls.
Four independent gait patterns were identified: rhythm, pace, variability and postural control. Only high gait variability was associated with lower cognitive performance and it identified Alzheimer’s disease with 70 per cent accuracy. Gait variability means the stride-to-stride fluctuations in distance and timing that happen when we walk.
“This is the first strong evidence showing that gait variability is an important marker for processes happening in areas of the brain that are linked to both cognitive impairment and motor control,” notes Dr. Frederico Perruccini-Faria, Research Assistant at Lawson and Postdoctoral Associate at Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, who is first author on the paper. “We’ve shown that high gait variability as a marker of this cognitive-cortical dysfunction can reliably identify Alzheimer’s disease compared to other neurodegenerative disorders.”
When cognitive-cortical dysfunction is happening, the person’s ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time is impacted, such as talking while walking or chopping vegetables while chatting with family.
Having gait variability as a motor marker for cognitive decline and different types of conditions could allow for gait assessment to be used as a clinical test, for example having patients use wearable technology. “We see gait variability being similar to an arrhythmia. Health care providers could measure it with patients in the clinic, similar to how we assess heart rhythm with electrocardiograms,” adds Dr. Montero-Odasso.
This study was primarily funded by the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA), a collaborative research program tackling the challenge of dementia and other neurodegenerative illnesses. The CCNA was supported by a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
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About Lawson Health Research Institute
Lawson Health Research Institute is one of Canada’s top hospital-based research institutes, tackling the most pressing challenges in health care. As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, our innovation happens where care is delivered. Lawson research teams are at the leading-edge of science with the goal of improving health and the delivery of care for patients. Working in partnership with Western University, our researchers are encouraged to pursue their curiosity, collaborate often and share their discoveries widely. Research conducted through Lawson makes a difference in the lives of patients, families and communities around the world. To learn more, visit www.lawsonresearch.ca.
About Western
Western delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.
About The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University is one of Canada’s preeminent medical and dental schools. Established in 1881, it was one of the founding schools of Western University and is known for being the birthplace of family medicine in Canada. For more than 130 years, the School has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for scientific discovery.
Media Contacts
Celine Zadorsky
Senior Media Relations Consultant
Communications & Public Engagement
T: 519-685-8500 ext. 73502
Celine.zadorsky@lhsc.on.ca
Differences in walking patterns could predict type of cognitive decline in older adults
Canadian researchers are the first to study how patterns in the way older adults walk could more accurately diagnose different types of dementia and identify Alzheimer’s disease.
A new study by a Canadian research team, led by London researchers from Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University, evaluated the walking patterns and brain function of 500 participants currently enrolled in clinical trials. Their findings are published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association.
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Dr. Montero-Odasso is world renowned for his research on the relationship between mobility and cognitive decline in aging. Leading the Mobility, Exercise and Cognition (MEC) team in London, he is pioneering novel diagnostic approaches and treatments to prevent and combat early dementia. Dr. Montero-Odasso is also co-lead of the Mobility, Exercise and Cognition Team at CCNA, a team composed of 22 researchers and 6 trainees.
This study compared gait impairments across the cognitive spectrum, including people with Subjective Cognitive Impairment, Parkinson’s Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia and Frontotemporal dementia, as well as cognitively healthy controls. The study used data from the COMPASS-ND Cohort and the Gait and Brain Study Cohort.
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Gait assessment looks at the way in which we move our whole body from one point to another, helping to analyze mobility and the brain processes involved.
Four independent gait patterns were identified: rhythm, pace, variability and postural control. Only high gait variability was associated with lower cognitive performance and it identified Alzheimer’s disease with 70 per cent accuracy. Gait variability means the stride-to-stride fluctuations in distance and timing that happen when we walk.
“This is the first strong evidence showing that gait variability is an important marker for processes happening in areas of the brain that are linked to both cognitive impairment and motor control,” notes Dr. Frederico Perruccini-Faria, Research Assistant at Lawson and Postdoctoral Associate at Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, who is first author on the paper.
“We’ve shown that high gait variability as a marker of this cognitive-cortical dysfunction can reliably identify Alzheimer’s disease compared to other neurodegenerative disorders.”
When cognitive-cortical dysfunction is happening, the person’s ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time is impacted, such as talking while walking or chopping vegetables while chatting with family.
“Having gait variability as a motor marker for cognitive decline and different types of conditions could allow for gait assessment to be used as a clinical test, for example having patients use wearable technology,” says Dr. Richard Camicioli, Professor at the University of Alberta and co-senior author on the paper.
The London team collaborated with researchers at the University of Toronto, University of Calgary and University of Alberta. They are part of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration of Aging (CCNA), a collaborative research program tackling the challenge of dementia and other neurodegenerative illnesses.
Dr. Montero-Odasso adds that this gait variability could be perceived as similar to an arrhythmia. Health care providers could potentially measure it in clinical settings, like how heart rhythm is assessed with electrocardiograms.
This study was primarily funded by CCNA, supported by a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Scientist
Discovery shows promise for treatment of glaucoma
In a new study from Lawson Health Research Institute (Lawson), scientists have discovered that a specific protein has the potential to be used to treat some patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma, which is a group of diseases that affect nearly 70 million people worldwide. Glaucoma is characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve which ultimately leads to blindness. In this new study, led by Dr. Sunil Parapuram, researchers examined the role of a protein called “phosphatase and tensin homolog” (PTEN) in the trabecular meshwork. The trabecular meshwork is a porous tissue in the eye through which the clear fluid that fills the eye drains out.
In some primary open-angle glaucoma patients, the structure of the trabecular meshwork is damaged by fibrosis. Fibrosis is a thickening or scarring of tissue which is caused by an excess amount of matrix molecules such as collagen. Fibrosis of the trabecular meshwork prevents the fluid in the eye from draining out normally, which leads to increased pressure in the eye and damage to the optic nerve.
Dr. Parapuram’s team found that the inactivation of the protein PTEN can cause too many matrix molecules to be deposited in the trabecular meshwork, leading to fibrosis. On the other hand, when PTEN activity was increased, it reduced the amount of matrix molecules being deposited in the trabecular meshwork. These results indicate that drugs that can activate PTEN have high potential to be used as a treatment for open-angle glaucoma.
“There’s an immediate need for a new generation of therapeutic drugs for more effective treatment of glaucoma,” says Dr. Parapuram, a Lawson scientist at St. Joseph’s Health Care London and an assistant professor in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University. “While further research is needed, drugs that activate PTEN could be the answer.”
Dr. Parapuram’s team will continue to study the function of PTEN in the trabecular meshwork in more detail and test the role of drugs that activate the protein as a potential treatment for primary open angle glaucoma.
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Dr. Michael Motolko (left), Chair/Chief, Department of Ophthalmology, and Dr. Sunil Parapuram (right).
“This study highlights the expansion of our department’s research activities into basic science application and its findings are relevant to many other fibrotic diseases,” says Dr. Michael Motolko, Chair/Chief, Department of Ophthalmology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry,Western University, London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London.
The study, “TGF-β induces phosphorylation of phosphatase and tensin homolog: implications for fibrosis of the trabecular meshwork tissue in glaucoma,” is published in Nature’s Scientific Reports.
Scientist
… the 2019 J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine to Dr. Daniel Rader. Tickets are $100 each $50 for students and … the 2019 J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine to Dr. Daniel Rader. Tickets are $100 each $50 for students and …
Join us as we shine the light on cardiovascular disease research. Guests will enjoy an evening which celebrates science and discovery at Robarts Research Institute. The evening includes the presentation of the 2019 J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine to Dr. Daniel Rader. Tickets are $100...
DocTalks - Beyond Memory: How Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias Affect Mental Health
11:00pm - 12:30am
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Beyond Memory: How Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias Affect Mental Health
Where: Shuttleworth Auditorium (Cheapside entrance)
Dr. Amer Burhan, associate scientist at Lawson and geriatric neuropsychiatrist at St. Joseph's Health Care London, is an expert in the field of neuropsychiatry. He will discuss how Alzheimer’s and other cognitive diseases can impact the feelings and behaviours of individuals as well as their caregivers, and how research is shaping new treatment options for hard-to-treat depression.
Online registration has reached capacity. Please consider joining the next scheduled DocTalk lecture.
DocTalks is a series of community health discussions featuring leading physicians and researchers at St. Joseph’s Health Care London. Learn from the experts how St. Joseph’s is tackling the pressing health issues of our time and why it matters to you and your family.
DocTalks is a joint initiative presented by St. Joseph’s Health Care London and St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation.
DocTalks - Combating Food Allergies Using the Body’s Immune System
11:00pm - 12:30am
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Combating Food Allergies Using the Body’s Immune System
Where: Shuttleworth Auditorium (Cheapside entrance)
Dr. Harold Kim is the Medical Director of St. Joseph’s Allergy and Immunology Program. He will explain how certain food allergies can gradually be reduced or eliminated through the process of immunotherapy.
Registration opens Open 11.
DocTalks is a series of community health discussions featuring leading physicians and researchers at St. Joseph’s Health Care London. Learn from the experts how St. Joseph’s is tackling the pressing health issues of our time and why it matters to you and your family.
DocTalks is a joint initiative presented by St. Joseph’s Health Care London and St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation.
Partners
DocTalks - How Aging Nerves and Muscles Affect Mobility
11:00pm - 12:30am
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How Aging Nerves and Muscles Affect Mobility
Where: Shuttleworth Auditorium (Cheapside entrance)
Dr. Tim Doherty is the Chair/Chief of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at St. Joseph’s and Western University and a researcher with Lawson Health Research Institute. He will explain how nerve and muscle function are impacted by aging and share the best ways to maintain healthy muscles and mobility as we grow older.
Registration opens August 15.
DocTalks is a series of community health discussions featuring leading physicians and researchers at St. Joseph’s Health Care London. Learn from the experts how St. Joseph’s is tackling the pressing health issues of our time and why it matters to you and your family.
DocTalks is a joint initiative presented by St. Joseph’s Health Care London and St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation.
View more information on this DocTalks lecture.
DocTalks - Kidney Stones: From Ancient Times to Modern Practice and Prevention
11:00pm - 12:30am
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Kidney Stones: From Ancient Times to Modern Practice and Prevention
Where: Shuttleworth Auditorium (Cheapside entrance)
Dr. John Denstedt is a surgeon at St. Joseph’s Hospital and professor at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. He is also the former Chair/Chief of the Department of Surgery and a world renowned leader in the field of urology. Dr. Denstedt will discuss how treatments for kidney stones have evolved over time, including current prevention strategies and how new research is unlocking new possibilities for the future.
Registration opens February 7.
DocTalks is a series of community health discussions featuring leading physicians and researchers at St. Joseph’s Health Care London. Learn from the experts how St. Joseph’s is tackling the pressing health issues of our time and why it matters to you and your family.
DocTalks is a joint initiative presented by St. Joseph’s Health Care London and St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation.
DocTalks - Managing Persistent Dry Eyes and Why it Matters
11:00pm - 12:30am
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Managing Persistent Dry Eyes and Why it Matters
Where: Shuttleworth Auditorium (Cheapside entrance)
Dr. Rookaya Mather is an ophthalmologist at St. Joseph’s Ivey Eye Institute and an associate professor at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. She will review the current understanding of Dry Eye Disease and how the condition can be managed effectively.
Registration opens October 16.
DocTalks is a series of community health discussions featuring leading physicians and researchers at St. Joseph’s Health Care London. Learn from the experts how St. Joseph’s is tackling the pressing health issues of our time and why it matters to you and your family.
DocTalks is a joint initiative presented by St. Joseph’s Health Care London and St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation.
DocTalks - Recovery After Stroke: Retraining the Injured Brain Through Rehabilitation
11:00pm - 12:30am
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Recovery After Stroke: Retraining the Injured Brain Through Rehabilitation
Where: Shuttleworth Auditorium (Cheapside entrance)
Dr. Robert Teasell is the Medical Director of St. Joseph’s Stroke Rehabilitation Program, Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Western University and a clinical scientist at Lawson Health Research Institute. He will discuss various rehabilitation therapies and technologies that can help an individual recover after a stroke.
Registration opens April 16.
DocTalks is a series of community health discussions featuring leading physicians and researchers at St. Joseph’s Health Care London. Learn from the experts how St. Joseph’s is tackling the pressing health issues of our time and why it matters to you and your family.
DocTalks is a joint initiative presented by St. Joseph’s Health Care London and St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation.
… in the cost of registration Sarah Baier – MScOT, CHT Dr Genevieve Dostaler – MD, FRCSC, MHA Tracy Elliot -BSc (Hon), BPHE, BScPT, RCAMT Dr Ruby Grewal – MD, MSc, FRCSC Dr Graham King – MD, MSc, FRCSC Juliana Larocerie – BScOT, … in the cost of registration Sarah Baier – MScOT, CHT Dr Genevieve Dostaler – MD, FRCSC, MHA Tracy Elliot -BSc …
June 2 3, 2023 HAND AND UPPER LIMB SYMPOSIUM SURGERY & REHABILITATION OF THE UPPER LIMB Back t o Basics NOVEMBER 22ND & 23RD, 2019 SYMPOSIUM DESCRIPTION This 2 day symposium for health professionals will focus on rehabilitation of the elbow, wrist and hand. The Roth|McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb surg...
Dr. Mamadou Diop
Full Name
Dr. Mamadou Diop
Role
Location
Degrees and Qualifications
PhD
Research Overview
My research is focused on developing mobile optical devices and mathematical models that enable non-invasive quantification of physiological parameters (e.g., tissue hematocrit content and oxygenation) to inform about health and diseases. These techniques include time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy, diffuse correlation spectroscopy and hyperspectral spectroscopy. I am also developing methods for 4D spectral tomographic imaging, for the quantification of tissue hemodynamics (e.g., blood flow and vascular permeability) and oxygen metabolism.
Publications:
Biography
Dr. Diop graduated from University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar (Senegal) where he also completed an MSc in physics under the supervision of Prof. Ahmadou Wague. In 2004 he was awarded a PhD degree in Physics from Laval University (Quebec) for his work on 3D Colloidal Photonic Crystals, under the supervision of late Prof. Roger A. Lessard. He then joined the group of Dr. Rod Taylor at the Institute for Microstructural Sciences of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC, Ottawa) for a 2-year postdoctoral position to work on optical trapping of cells. In 2006 he moved to London (Ontario) to take a 2nd postdoctoral position in the group of Dr. Keith St Lawrence at the Lawson Health Research Institute (LHRI). Two years later, Dr. Diop became a Research Associate then a LHRI Research Scientist in 2013. His work at LHRI has led to significant technological advancements, including a method that can continuously monitor absolute cerebral blood flow and oxygen metabolism at the bedside. Dr. Diop is also an assistant Prof. in the department of Medical Biophysics and the school of Biomedical engineering at Western University where he leads the Translational Biophotonics Lab.
Dr. Frank S. Prato
Full Name
Dr. Frank S. Prato
Role
Location
Degrees and Qualifications
PhD, FCCPM, ABMP, FCOMP, FURSI, FCAHS
Research Overview
Over the last 30 years I have founded a research imaging program at Lawson that currently includes 23 Ph.Ds. and 7 MDs. The focus is to provide leading edge medical imaging technology to the patients of Southwestern Ontario, to citywide researchers and to foster what is needed for clinical trials. We have had a rich history including: first MRI in Canada (1982), first perfusion CT in the world (2000), first PET/CT in Canada (2002), first PET/MRI in Canada (2012).
In the last decade we have introduced PET technology to London including a medical cyclotron and radiochemistry facility that supplies Health Canada approved products to London, Toronto and Windsor. We are a hospital based research program and as such we have a stewardship responsibility to our patients to provide the best medical imaging facilities to guide their treatment and when they reach the limits of proven treatment methods they have the option to enroll in clinical trials that explore new treatment approaches.
Publications:
Biography
Since founding the Lawson Imaging Research Program in the 1980s Frank Prato has led the introduction of a number of new imaging technologies here in London. For example in 1982 his laboratory produced the first human MRI in Canada. Since 2002 Frank has focused on the introduction of new molecular imaging methods including the establishment of advanced positron emission tomography (PET) facilities in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In 2012 the Lawson Imaging Research team installed Canada’s first human hybrid PET/MRI at Lawson’s St. Joseph’s Hospital site. Currently Frank is involved in the PET/MRI imaging of neuro-degenerative diseases caused by dementia and mental illness as well as in the study of cardiac diseases that lead to heart failure. Frank’s focus is to improve early diagnosis of disease to limit disability caused by chronic disease/conditions. Frank’s program is located within the hospital/patient environment as Imaging research is an essential part of the patient care continuum.
Scientific Record
- 6113 life time citations, h-index = 45 (Scopus)
- 10,624 life time citations, h-index = 58 (Google Scholar)
- 300+ peer-reviewed publications (222 papers)
- 700+ conference abstracts
- 184 invited presentations
- 67 graduate students and PDFs
- 14 patents and 4 spin-off companies
Dr. Gregor Reid
Full Name
Dr. Gregor Reid
Role
Location
Degrees and Qualifications
BSc Hons, PhD, MBA, ARM CCM, Dr HS, FCAHS, FRSC
Contact Information
Phone
519-646-6100
Extension
65256
Email
Administrative Support
Lesley Carmichael (x65755)
Research Area
Research Overview
My career has mostly been spent studying how beneficial microbes, especially bacteria, contribute to the health of women and children.
The use of probiotics, as dried or food forms, is designed to help restore and maintain a healthy or homeostatic state. My focus has always been on translating science to human or other life forms (animals, honeybees, fish), though work on mechanisms was also rewarding. I was determined that breakthrough technologies and treatments should benefit everyone, particularly those most in need in developing countries whose access to healthcare and remedies is often limited.
I have been a strong advocate for empowering everyone who has come through out research group. Progress comes from the ideas and talents of these students, fellows, technicians and collaborators and it is our responsibility to mentor and encourage them.
Research areas: Microbiome and probiotics; Women's health; Environmental influences on health; probiotic effects on the urogenital tract, the gut, breast, heart and use of probiotics to detoxify environmental pollutants.
Publications:
Biography
Dr. Gregor Reid is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Western University, and Scientist in Human Microbiome and Probiotics at the Lawson Health Research Institute. He retired from laboratory research in 2020 and is no longer taking students.
Dr. Reid’s legacy comes from his focus on beneficial microbes, starting in 1982 when only 12 papers had been published on ‘probiotics’. As of February 2024, this number exceeds 47,000 papers by authors around the world. Dr. Reid's contribution cannot be understated. In 2001 and 2002, he chaired the United Nations - World Health Organization Expert Panel and Working Group on Probiotics that defined the modern term probiotics and set the standard for a field of science and commerce, the latter now exceeding $60 billion per annum.
Evidence for him being one of the world’s foremost experts on probiotics comes in many forms. Along with Canadian Urologist Dr. Andrew Bruce he developed novel probiotic therapies now used by several million people in over 35 countries. He helped acquire Canada’s largest ever donation for microbiology, $7 million for the endowed chair at Lawson. He has held 32 patents and published over 609 peer-reviewed publications in highly prestigious academic journals including Science, Lancet, JAMA, PNAS and various Nature journals. He has been highly sought for his lecturing skills, with over 650 talks in 54 countries. His Google Scholar H factor is 125 with over 61,000 citations as of February 2024. He was ranked the #3 microbiologist in Canada by research.com in 2022.
He has been President of the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, the leading organization on the science of these areas. His recognitions include: recipient of the Hellmuth Prize, the highest research honour conferred by The University of Western Ontario; the Distinguished Alumni Award presented by New Zealand’s leading institution, Massey University; an Honorary Doctorate in Biology from Orebro University in Sweden; the highest honour of the Canadian Society for Microbiologists for Career Achievement; Western University’s highest honour as Distinguished Professor. He is a member of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the Royal Society of Canada, the latter being an honour bestowed upon Canada’s distinguished scholars, artists and scientists, since the establishment of the society as Canada’s National Academy in 1883. His impact on Complementary and Alternative Medicine has been substantial, in Canada and beyond, illustrated by receipt of the prestigious Dr Rogers Prize.
The expansion of beneficial microbes to One Health illustrates the importance of pioneers like him, who so early on and long before the Human Microbiome Project, recognized the importance of these organisms. His commitment to stewardship and excellence in appropriately documenting probiotics and in helping to define fermented foods and prebiotics, and differentiate them from probiotics, is recognized the world over.
Dr. Reid was instrumental in the establishment of Western Heads East (WHE), an experiential learning program based out of Western University. The program, led by Bob Gough, launched probiotic yogurt in rural Tanzanian communities in 2004 to help address the malnutrition and HIV/AIDS crises in the continent. It was recognized by the awarding of the AUCC Scotiabank Prize for Internationalization in 2010. The program expanded beyond HIV recipients to reach over 260,000 beneficiaries in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. This was made possible by funding from the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund and the creation of a novel sachet by Yoba-for-Life, a Dutch not-for-profit foundation. The sachet, costing under $1, contains two bacterial strains that ferment up to 100L of probiotic-rich yogurt or cereal or fruit. Yoba-for-Life continues to bring sachets to Africa, and in 2024, The Gregor Reid Award for Outstanding Scholars in Developing Nations was established by ISAPP to encourage young researchers to translate probiotics into tangible benefits for their countries.
Dr. Reid's sphere of influence has widened through efforts to reduce the problem of honeybee colony collapse that endangers the world's food supply. The creation of a probiotic intervention to boost the insect's defenses and fight pathogens as well as offset the damage done by pesticides, has implications for beekeeping in North America and around the world. His final PhD student, Brendan Daisley is now pioneering this work at the University of Guelph.
Though officially retired, Professor Reid has published a book, “Probiotics: A story about hope,” which reached #1 on Amazon for women’s health, and he continues to support his successor, Dr. Jeremy Burton, and students doing outstanding work through the lab at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Partners
Numerous collaborators around the world.
International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics - current board member
Fermented Food for Life (FFFL) book on success stories!
Read it here!
Read it here!
Dr. Jacobi Elliott
Full Name
Dr. Jacobi Elliott
Role
Location
Degrees and Qualifications
PhD
Research Area
Research Overview
Dr. Elliott has focused on establishing a comprehensive program of research focused around geriatrics and the health care system.
Biography
As an Early Career Researcher (ECR), Dr. Elliott has been involved as Nominated Principal Applicant, co-Principal Applicant or co-Applicant on research funding from tri-council and community grants.
She has more than 35 published papers related to health systems research and patient/family engagement and has been recognized with multiple awards for her conference presentations.
Dr. Elliott is a Scientist with Lawson Research Institute and holds Adjunct Assistant Professor appointments at Western University (Faculty of Health Sciences) and the University of Waterloo (School of Public Health Sciences).
Currently, Dr. Elliott is the Director, Research & Strategy for the Regional Geriatric Program of Southwestern Ontario, hosted by St. Joseph's Health Care London.
Dr. Jeffrey Carson
Full Name
Dr. Jeffrey Carson
Role
Location
Degrees and Qualifications
PhD
Contact Information
Phone
519-646-6100
Extension
64767
Email
Administrative Support
Dr. Astrid Chamson-Reig: 519-646-6100 x64135; achamson@lawsonimaging.ca
Website
Research Area
Dr. Lisa Hoffman
Full Name
Dr. Lisa Hoffman
Role
Location
Degrees and Qualifications
PhD
Website
Research Overview
I have capitalized on the breadth of research being conducted in the fields of stem cell research and imaging within this center, and now possesses an extremely unique skill-set in stem cell biology, classic cell/molecular biology, and multi-modality non-invasive imaging technologies (positron emission tomography [PET], dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography [DCE-CT], high frequency 3D ultrasound [HFU], and optical [bioluminescence]). Excitingly, I am currently one of few Canadian researchers poised to take full advantage of the recent opening of the PETtracer Cyclotron and PET-radiochemistry facility in London.
My future research goal is to develop a collaborative research program in Molecular and Functional Imaging, in which I will play a lead role in cutting-edge research that focuses on the development of therapeutics for neuromuscular diseases, and on the non-invasive assessment of such therapies.
Biography
Dr. Hoffman obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Saskatchewan in 2000. She went on to complete several postdoctoral positions that culminated in a unique skill set in stem cell biology, classic cell/molecular biology, and non-invasive multi-modality imaging.
Imaging modalities include positron emission tomography [PET], dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography [DCE-CT], high frequency 3D ultrasound [HFU]/echocardiography, and optical/bioluminescense imaging. She is currently one of few Canadian researchers poised to take advantage of the recent opening of the PETtracer Cyclotron and PET-radiochemistry facility in London.
Dr. Hoffman was appointed as a Lawson Imaging Scientist in the Fall of 2009, and as Assistant Professor in the Departments of Medical Biophysics, Western University (Fall 2009) and Anatomy & Cell Biology, Western University (Spring 2010). Capitalizing on the breadth of her multidisciplinary experience, Dr. Hoffman's current research interests lie in Molecular Imaging and Cell Therapeutics for the treatment of both the skeletal and cardiac manifestations of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Specifically, her group aims to develop objective and quantitative non-invasive imaging technologies to track stem/progenitor cell fate following transplantation into mouse models of DMD.
Children's Health Research Institute
Overview
Children’s Health Research Institute (CHRI) discovers ways to prevent and treat diseases affecting babies, children and youth, helping them lead happy, healthy lives.
It is the third largest, hospital-based child health research institute in Canada and is part of Lawson Health Research Institute and are affiliated with Western University.
The research is supported by the generosity of donors who contribute to Children’s Health Foundation, as well as government agencies, non-profit foundations, companies and organizations that share our goals.
Learn more about the research and how you can support the institute here.
Partners
Dr. Shalini Dhir
Full Name
Dr. Shalini Dhir
Role
Research Overview
- Regional anesthesia
- Acute pain
- Ambulatory anesthesia
- Orthopedic anesthesia
- Obstetric anesthesia
