Menopause is often associated with sleep disturbances, hot flashes, and mood swings—but could it also play a role in brain health? While most people do not immediately link menopause with Alzheimer’s disease (AD)—a brain condition that results from the buildup of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain—research suggests that[Read More…]
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Dementia and disparities: The sex differences in healthcare use
Healthcare inequities—avoidable differences in health across population subgroups—are ubiquitous in Canada. Even though women are more affected by dementia—a group of age-related diseases characterized by memory decline—than men, current dementia policies often do not consider sex-based differences. Dementia is a major public health issue, with the number of cases projected[Read More…]
Addressing perinatal mental health disparities among immigrant parents in Canada
Pregnancy and postpartum can be emotionally overwhelming, and for first- and second-generation immigrants, these challenges are often intensified by cultural barriers, discrimination, and limited access to mental health resources. According to Statistics Canada, nearly 23 per cent of Canadians were born outside of the country, making it essential to address[Read More…]
Sleep on it: ‘Share Your Sleep Story’ spotlights sleep as a healthcare and human right
When all the world is asleep, the body is hard at work. While many people view their resting hours as lost time, the Share Your Sleep Story initiative explores sleep as time invested in a deeply human act of being. The public engagement initiative highlights individuals’ experiences with sleep—and the[Read More…]
Which way does the wind blow? What wind can tell us about city wildfire pollution
In late June 2023, the Montreal sky turned orange-grey, the skyline overtaken by a thick haze. The city’s annual air quality report for that year showed that pollution reached its highest point in eight years and on June 25 and 26 of 2023, Montreal had the worst air quality in[Read More…]
Stepping forward: How technology is improving gait for Parkinson’s and aging adults
The ability to walk is something most people take for granted. But for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and age-related mobility challenges, it can be a daily struggle. Slow, shuffling steps, difficulty maintaining balance, and unstable walking patterns make simple movements feel like obstacles. Nancy Mayo, a professor at McGill’s School[Read More…]
SCAnning the genome to uncover the genetics of a neurological disorder
Recent advances in molecular biology techniques are bringing new insights into complex diseases. These insights extend to spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), a group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the deterioration of the cerebellum—a brain structure critical for balance and movement coordination. In 2019, between 30 and 48 per cent of[Read More…]
CogSURF connects minds, empowering the next generation of cognitive scientists
The Cognitive Science Undergraduate Research Forum (CogSURF), Montreal’s first undergraduate-led conference of its kind, will host its inaugural event on Feb. 27 at the University Centre. This event aims to showcase undergraduate talent and break down the barriers to open science for undergraduate students across Montreal. With over 340 registrations,[Read More…]
How simulation learning is shaping inclusive healthcare
Simulations are becoming a more and more common training method for medical students. In a typical simulation, students resolve a medical case presented by an actor, and then participate in debriefing sessions led by a supervisor to analyze and critically review their experience and performance. This process commonly follows the[Read More…]
Understanding the role of alcohol in severe allergic reactions
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system overreacts to a trigger, such as food, drugs, or insect stings. Symptoms can escalate quickly, leading to difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and swelling of the throat, requiring immediate medical intervention. For people with severe allergies,[Read More…]
