Saturday, 10 January 2026
Thursday, 8 January 2026
Defy Dementia - I will be attending on line
Julia Knapp
Executive Director, Alumni Relations
University of Toronto
invites University of Toronto alumni and friends to a reception and panel discussion on
Defy Dementia
with presenter and moderator
Dr. Allison Sekuler
Sandra A. Rotman Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience
President and Chief Scientist, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, and Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation
Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto
Co-host of the Defy Dementia podcast
Join us for an inspiring evening where world-class researchers and clinicians break down the latest science on reducing your risk for dementia and keeping your mind strong for life. Expect an uplifting, myth-busting conversation about aging and the steps that anyone can take to reduce their risk through lifestyle factors like cognitive engagement, exercise, stress management, and sleep.
This event is in partnership with Baycrest, affiliated with the University of Toronto, and features insights from the Defy Dementia podcast — a Baycrest-produced series dedicated to empowering listeners with expert advice and practical strategies to reduce dementia risk.
Presenter and Moderator
Dr. Allison Sekuler (FSEP, FPsyS, FAPS) is the Sandra A. Rotman Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience and President and Chief Scientist of the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education (BARE), and President and Chief Scientist of the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI).
A graduate of Pomona College (BA, Mathematics and Psychology) and the University of California, Berkeley (PhD, Psychology), Dr. Sekuler holds faculty positions in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto (Professor) and the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University (Professor Emeritus).
Her research uses behavioural and neuroimaging approaches to understand how the brain processes visual information, with specific interests in face perception, motion processing, perceptual learning, neural plasticity, aging, and neurotechnology. Her research group was the first to show conclusively that older brains “rewire” themselves to compensate for functional changes, and her clinical and translational research aims to develop methods to prevent, detect, and treat age-related sensory and cognitive decline.
She has scientific and industry collaborations across North America, the EU, and Asia, and her work has been published in leading international journals, including Nature, Current Biology, and the Journal of Neuroscience. She chairs the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council’s Public Impact Value Proposition Committee and the Ontario Hospital Association Research & Innovation Committee; serves on the governing and advisory boards including Hamilton Health Sciences, the Connected Minds CFREF, and the Centre for AI and Society; and is a founding steering committee member of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy.
She also is a longstanding and passionate supporter of research communication and public outreach, and a sought-after speaker, Webby-nominated podcaster, and commentator in national and international media. Co-founder of FoVea (Females of Vision et al.), an international organization to advance women in vision science, co-founder of the Ontario Hospital Association’s Research and Innovation Anti-Racism Taskforce, and official Ally in the Canadian Black Scientists Network, Dr. Sekuler is a highly respected advocate for women and under-represented groups in science, engineering, and technology. Dr. Sekuler has won numerous national and international awards for research, teaching, and leadership, including serving as the country’s first Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience and being named one of WXN's Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada twice (2019, 2024).
Internationally, Dr. Sekuler has played a key role in advancing innovation and equity. During a recent mission to Thailand, she moderated the "Supporting Women in Technology and Entrepreneurship" panel, highlighting global strategies for inclusivity in STEM. She continues to represent Baycrest in its active collaboration with Aspen Tree Communities, with whom Baycrest is partnering to shape a model of healthy aging through cognitive health and dementia prevention. Dr. Sekuler also participated and led expert panels and public forums focused on Baycrest Academy’s Defy Dementia initiative, sharing insights on brain health and aging in international settings.
In her spare time, she proves that you’re never too old to learn: She picked up her first drumsticks a few years ago, joined a band, and recently earned her Drum Professional Certificate from Berklee College of Music.
Panelists
Dr. Tricia Woo is a geriatrician and professor of medicine at McMaster University, and a member of the GERAS Centre for Aging Research at McMaster and Hamilton Health Sciences. She completed her medical school and geriatric medicine residency at the University of Toronto. Dr. Woo sees patients and their families who have been referred to her clinic by their primary care providers. She counsels people after they have received a diagnosis of dementia, advising them on their diagnosis, their prognosis, and how to slow the progression of the disease. She also talks to family members about their own genetic risk, advises them on whether or not they should take a genetic test, and helps them interpret the results.
Saiesha Aadhithan is a dedicated and thoughtful professional with a strong blend of scientific insight and technical skill. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology, where she developed a deep appreciation for understanding human behaviour and cognition. She currently works as an IT Apple Technician at Scotiabank, known for her patient, solutions-driven approach and ability to excel in fast-paced technical environments.
Raised in a close-knit family, Saiesha’s upbringing was deeply shaped by the guidance and love of her grandparents, who played an integral role throughout her life. Their influence instilled in her values of empathy, gratitude, and resilience—qualities she carries into everything she does.
Outside of work, she loves traveling, exploring new cultures, and finding inspiration through music and dance, creative outlets that bring balance and joy to her life.
Driven by curiosity and continuous growth, Saiesha brings authenticity, professionalism, and heart to every space she’s part of.
Have questions about this event?
Contact DUA Events at dua.events@utoronto.ca
Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Tuesday, 6 January 2026
MAID - What a cheap cop out for this psychiatrist. (A medical doctor with three years of psychology)
Excerpt from a House of Commons speech by B.C. Conservative MP Tamara Jansen laying out the “impossible paradox” of MAiD if her Bill C-218 isn’t passed.
Mr. Speaker, I want the members to imagine someone's son. He is in his forties and life has worn him down. He lives with a painful illness that leaves him sick, exhausted and often unable to leave the house. On top of that, he struggles with addictions, depression and anxiety, which have taken more from him than anyone can see from the outside. Some days, he can barely hold it together. He relies on his family for a place to live, food and help getting through the week. They are doing their best, and he is doing his best, but the weight of it is crushing.
One day, he finally meets a psychiatrist. He goes, hoping this might finally be the start of real help. His addictions still have not been treated, and his mental health care has not truly begun. He is vulnerable, scared and hanging on by a thread.
Instead of being offered a plan to get him stable, MAiD is raised as an option. The assessment moves ahead, and before he ever receives proper support for his mental health or addictions, he is approved. His MAiD provider drives him to the place where his life is ended. This is someone's son who needed help, not a final exit.
Believe it or not, this happened here in Canada, and this is where we are headed if we do not act. Unless Parliament chooses a different path, Canada will allow MAiD for people whose only condition is mental illness. Men and women struggling with depression, trauma or overwhelming psychological pain could be steered toward death by a system that too often cannot offer timely treatment, consistent follow-up or even basic support. This is why I brought forward Bill C-218, the Right to Recover Act. It is simple. It asks Parliament to stop, consider what we have learned, and act responsibly before people are irretrievably harmed.
My grandparents immigrated here after World War II with very little. They chose Canada because it was a place where people had endless opportunities to better themselves, where neighbours watched out for each other and communities worked in unison to make a better life for all. They built a Canada where the vulnerable were cared for and the less privileged in society were valued and treated with equal care. Those fundamental values attracted millions of immigrants over the years.
Today, many Canadians fear we are losing those values. Canadians remain some of the most compassionate people, but our system is overwhelmed, stretched thin and unable to meet the needs of suffering people.
When people fall through the cracks, the easy temptation is to accept that failure is inevitable. When that happens, people facing mental illness can end up alone, waiting months, sometimes years, for specialized treatment. When help does not come, they lose hope. That moment of hopelessness should never be an opportunity for the State to end their lives through MAID.
When the House last debated MAID, mental illness was not part of the core discussion. It was added in a last-minute Senate amendment to Bill C-7. The implications were not fully understood by the House.
Psychiatrists across Canada, including chairs of psychiatry at all 17 medical schools, (tell) us plainly there is no reliable way to predict when a mental illness is irremediable, which is a requirement in the MAiD law. People get worse, but they also get better, and most do. No test, scan or clinical tool can reliably tell us someone will never recover. All people deserve the opportunity to get better. No one should be encouraged to give up on themselves.
As legislators, we need to listen to what so many medical professionals are telling us, which is how hard it is to distinguish between suicidal ideation and MAiD…. If MAiD is expanded, we will be forced into an impossible paradox. A suicidal person calling a crisis line is urged to hold on. Yet if they request MAID, that same despair may be treated as justification for death. This is why Bill C-218 is necessary. I urge every member in the House to support (it) so Canada remains a nation that protects the vulnerable, offers treatment before despair and gives every person the chance to recover. Let us take this responsibility seriously.
Monday, 5 January 2026
Preparing for AI: The Blessings and the Curses plus what I am doing
One of the topics which we are not allowed to share was about Romantic Relationships with AI. At that point I stopped taking notes on the topic because I didn’t want to breach confidentiality. However, guess what was on the news in Canada? Yup, a marriage in Tokyo between AI Chat and a woman. She had fallen in love. I consider an official marriage between AI and a live person void. I also think that it should not be encouraged and illegal. The rest of the lecture was quite boring which is why I am not revealing the speaker or university. It was/is too basic.
My next book will be a fictional mystery about AI. Of course I have to get my house in order. At the moment I am dismantling my practice with mixed feelings. I did love my work but I also needed something new. I no longer had time to do all I needed to do. People I know have wasted no time to invite me to new volunteer positions, while I am still trying to step down from what I am involved in now. Any offers would have to really excite me but for now, I need to get my paperwork in order, as well as prepare my taxes which will take some time since I am way behind.
I wish the world a Happy New Year. I shall miss taking down my lights and Christmas tree. I have until the 6th and then, much too soon it seems, I shall close down that as well. That shall delay me more, but that is ok. Balance………..
What do you think?
Wednesday, 31 December 2025
Wishing you a Happy New Year
Today is frigid outside and the night promises to grow colder with snow brrrrrrrrr. Since I am a wimp, I am passing from out doors festivities. I am loving these festivities. I did go to the Montgomery house for tea and will be providing you with pictures. I have posted one here of their tea room. What is missing everywhere is Christmas trees sob.......not even one. However, I noticed that the mall had tons (Yorkdale) compliments of my favourite cafe - Starbucks, but they removed the chairs and comfy sofas - why??????? Anyhow, I have a nice tree which will be coming down after the 6 Jan. I really want to thank you all for being here. I shall continue to serve you with my two cents. I have posted my tree for you, just in case you don't have your own. What do you think? Looking forward to the new year!!!!!!!!!!!HAPPY NEW YEAR WORLD!!!!!!! P.S. I have a lot more under the tree and extra booties facing the right side. Be safe.
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