Proceeds

Baycrest has developed a unique program that can help individuals afflicted with a memory disorder known as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). There are almost 200,000 Canadian adults in the early stages of MCI, which can develop into full-blown Alzheimer's disease. Baycrest Memory Link program is helping them tap into their other unaffected memory systems with the assistance of an external memory aid.

As part of the Memory Link program clients with MCI, together with psychologists and computer scientists, help design and adapt electronic memory aids, such as the Palm Pilot. Clients are integral to the design team and make key decisions throughout the design process. Work is currently underway on creating a digital family calendar which will automatically synchronize with the Palm Pilot, known as "SAM." Continued funding from Sportsfest is allowing Baycrest to implement the next steps of this program.

Previous pilot programs funded by Sportsfest have proven hugely successful, and not only relieving caregivers and families of enormous stress, but also helping individuals with MCI stay active and productive in the community.