Research Theme
Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program
Program Coordinator: Dr. Sherry Dupuis
MAREP Website: www.marep.uwaterloo.ca
Current MAREP projects
Complete MAREP projects
Since its inception in 1993, MAREP has made significant progress in bridging the gap between research and practice in order to enhance the ability of all involved in dementia care to respond more appropriately and respectfully to the needs of people living with Alzheimer disease and other related dementias.
In the last few years, MAREP has been able to develop important and innovative research-based educational tools and forums including a video, Breaking the Silence: Giving Voice to Persons with Dementia, a CD-ROM Dementia Care Education Series, a Responsive Behaviour Video and Resource Guide, and an annual learning and sharing forum designed specifically for persons living with dementia and their partners in care.
MAREP is particularly excited about the latest and most innovative educational project based on the research-based play called I'm Still Here and have recently received funding to evaluate the impact of this tool on dementia care.
MAREP research examines issues targeted at improving the quality of the day-to-day lives of persons living with dementia and their families and includes projects such as:
- The Ontario Dementia Caregiver Needs project conducted as part of the Ontario Alzheimer Strategy
- The Transitions in Long Term Care project focused on improving the transition from community care to Long Term Care
- The Responsive Behaviour Study, which is examining behaviours in the dementia context
- The Eating Together Study designed to examine issues around food and mealtime for persons with dementia and their family partners in care
A sample of MAREP resources:
The By Us For Us © Guides are a series of resources created by and for persons with dementia. They are designed to equip persons with dementia with the necessary tools to enhance their well-being and manage daily challenges. For more information, please visit http://www.marep.uwaterloo.ca/products/bufu.html.
- Living and Transforming With Loss & Grief
- Managing Triggers
- Enhancing Wellness
- Memory Workout
- Enhancing Communication
- Tips & Strategies
Current Research Projects
| Project Name | Principal Investigator |
| Ongoing MAREP research projects | Dr. Sherry Dupuis |
| SSHRC-CURA Grant: Culture change in long-term care | Dr. Sherry Dupuis |
| Changing the Culture of Aging | Jennifer Carson Supervisor: |
Completed Research Projects
| Project Name | Principal Investigator | Completion Date |
| Dementia Orientation: "Good dementia care" | Leah Sadler |
2010 |
| Establishing a memory clinic for older adults living in retirement care | Dr. Erin Skinner University of Waterloo |
2010 |
| Education: Communication and meaningful activity | Frances Morton |
2008 |
| Education: Pathways of dementia and coping with stress on the caregiver journey | Leah Sadler |
2008 |
| Education: The A.R.T. of bathing in dementia care | Dr. Lori Schindel-Martin Ryerson University |
2008 |
| Transitioning from home to long-term care: the experiences of older persons, family members and service providers | Dr. Tamara Sussman University of Waterloo |
2007 |
| Education: Responsive Behaviours | Frances Morton |
2007 |