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Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research is moving toward earlier detection, more precise diagnosis, and interventions designed to slow disease progression. As researchers get better at identifying risk and detecting disease earlier, it becomes increasingly important to consider the patient perspective: Do patients want to know their risk, and how should that information shape their care?

The patient perspective is at the heart of the fourth episode of “The Progress Profile: Alzheimer’s Research in Focus,” featuring Dr. Wiesje van der Flier, executive director at Alzheimer Nederland. In conversation with moderator John Harrison, van der Flier explores what earlier detection and prevention could mean for patients, families, and healthcare systems, and the reason that giving patients a stronger voice will be essential as the field moves forward.

As social media use surges among youth, educators are grappling with the need to manage device disturbances — while acknowledging that technology use is embedded in education. Although educators embrace digital tools to help surface diverse viewpoints, boost engagement and save time, clear guidelines are necessary to keep students on task during the school day and promote digital responsibility.

As schools and districts aim to set consistent rules for device and social media usage, they should embrace a balanced approach that fosters a safe, supportive learning environment while minimizing distractions and risky behaviour. Here are five guidelines to consider.

As society continues the shift toward embracing diversity and inclusive practices, the need to understand and accommodate individual sensory preferences is becoming increasingly recognized in mental health settings. Dr. Elana Moore, an expert in sensory processing and mental health, took some time to highlight the critical role that sensory environments play in the therapeutic process.

In the evolving landscape of educational support, Ontario's Policy/Program Memorandum 169 (PPM 169) represents a critical step toward comprehensive mental health and learning needs strategies for school districts. One solution to help bolster this transformation is the Digital Assessment Library (DAL), a powerful technological solution designed to not just meet but exceed the memorandum's rigorous requirements.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often considered a childhood disorder that diminishes in adulthood. But it can also be diagnosed in adults.

In the United States, 15.5 million adults have been diagnosed with ADHD or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. More than half who received their diagnosis in adulthood experience symptoms that include trouble paying close attention to details, sustaining attention, following instructions, forgetfulness, talking excessively and/or interrupting.

“There used to be an old saying that people who had ADHD would grow out of it,” explains clinical psychologist Patrick Moran. “I think what really happened is that they would learn compensatory coping skills so that they could do some of the downregulation with their emotions and behaviors. In essence, they just got better at managing it, so it was less obvious to the external observer.”

As educators anticipate the opportunity to rest and recharge over the holiday break, they are also mindful of the potential for an academic “slide” that can accompany an extended pause, which can be troubling because they’ve just re-established momentum post-summer. 

However, the holiday season, with its focus on quality family time, can also allow caregivers to take more active roles in their children’s literacy. A report prepared by consulting firm Deloitte for the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation,  “An Economic Overview of Children’s Literacy in Canada,” found that an estimated one million Canadian children under the age of 15 have below grade-level literacy skills. 

Modeling the importance of reading at home can be a powerful way to build confidence and instill a lifelong affinity for literacy. As the holiday season approaches, here are some ways you can help your school community harness family time to boost literacy skills.