November 15, 2000

Baycrest launches education package developed for the World Wide Web

Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care and Seneca College have launched Memory Loss and Dementia, an interactive web site that educates the public about normal memory loss as a result of aging, and the more serious abnormal changes associated with dementia.

"For people who have a relative with dementia, the site describes the behavioral changes to expect and how to manage these behaviours in a way that minimizes the disabilities," says Dr. Guy Proulx, director of Psychology at Baycrest.

"If your parent has some memory loss or a dementia such as Alzheimer's disease for example, this web site will help you to communicate with your parent more effectively."

The site is also useful for people concerned about their own memory as they age. "It's a fact that memory changes as we age, but the public needs to understand the difference between normal forgetfulness --forgetting where you put the car keys -- and abnormal changes that may signal the onset of a dementia such as Alzheimer's," says Dr. Proulx.

He and other Baycrest psychologists provided the content for the web site, while Seneca College designed the web-based program using its expertise in adult learning principles and curriculum design.

The web site is divided into two parts: the first looks at normal memory changes as we age, and the second focuses on abnormal memory loss that occurs with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Within the sections are tests and quizzes that viewers can do to test their knowledge. Video clips, downloaded with RealPlayer, feature Dr. Proulx explaining the various types of cognitive disorders and sharing tips on how to communicate effectively with someone who has dementia.

To build the site, Baycrest went to Seneca College's Centre for New Technologies in Teaching and Learning. The result is a user-friendly site featuring large type, simple language and icons that can be easily understood by people with differing levels of computer knowledge. Readily available at the top of each page are buttons to a glossary of medical terms and a section on how to use the site without getting lost.

The first section on normal memory loss as we age includes a link to Baycrest's innovative Memory and Aging Workshop for older adults who are concerned about their "slipping" memory.

"Seneca College has been honored to work with Baycrest on this project," says Terrence Verity, Seneca's chief information officer. "Health education is important to the college and this web site is a valuable source of information and instruction for families who face the difficulties of caring for someone with a dementia."

The web pages are designed for a wide range of users. Anyone, whether they are a relative of someone with dementia, a health care professional, a student or a senior, who wants clear, meaningful information about dementia will find this program useful.

The information is also available on CD-ROM as an education tool for health care professionals, long-term care facilities, and seniors and their families who don´t have access to the Web.