Activity Spotlight: What Can My Brain Do?
Discover the incredible power of your brain with What Can My Brain Do? - an interactive function-matching game that helps you learn about the different parts of the brain and what they do.
Originally created by Vanessa Riolo and adapted into an online version by our Social Science Intern, Krista Lucier, this activity is part of WE-SPARK's Knowledge Translation Hub - a collection of fun, educational modules designed to help users explore WE-SPARK and its core pillars in an engaging way.
Each game includes clickable slides, easy "how-to-play" instructions, and interactive challenges that make learning about science both accessible and enjoyable.
Download the game here!
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Team: Alexander R Daros, Alina Patel, Oghenetega Otevwe, Santiago Sotelo, Bechara J Saab, Lena C Quilty
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What Is The Issue?
Many people in our community face long wait times for mental health services either through hospitals or private services, often leaving them without support. Could a mindfulness-based app provide relief while they wait?
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Key Methods
This study examined the use of AmDTx, a mindfulness-based mobile applications developed to support adults in managing symptoms of anxiety and depression. A total of 193 participants from Ontario, many of whom reported moderate mental health concerns, engaged with the app over a 12-week period. The intervention included guided meditations, mindfulness lessons, and journaling activities, with participants encouraged to practice mindfulness 3-4 times a week for 15-20 minutes per session.
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Results
This study revealed that:
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- 75% of participants "adopted" or used the app in the first 4 weeks.
- Users experienced reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
- Consistent use led to improved daily functioning and less repetitive negative thinking.
- Participants rated the app as highly acceptable and easy to use.
- Those participants who recorded more meditation hours reported greater improvement in functioning during the 12-week study period.
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Why Is This Important?
For those in Windsor and Essex County, this research demonstrates how technology can provide immediate support to those on mental health service waitlists. It offers an affordable, accessible option for individuals to manage their mental health, especially in underserved areas. Tools like this could reduce the strain on local health systems and improve overall well-being.
| | If you are interested in trying the app, it is available on the App Store/Google Play as "AmDTx". | | |
What Is The Issue?
Stroke rehabilitation has concentrated on improving physical functions while neglecting the importance of psychosocial functions, which are critical to successful community reintegration post-stroke.
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Key Methods
The study used an integrative review approach, analyzing both empirical and non-empirical literature. It followed a five-step process: identifying the research problem, searching relevant literature, evaluating and analyzing the data, and presenting results.
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Why is This Important?
There is a need for a more holistic approach to stroke rehabilitation. By addressing the psychological and social factors that influence recovery, local communities can create more inclusive environments that support successful reintegration post-stroke. This, in turn, contributes to overall community health.
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Results
A systematic review approach was used to find sixteen studies on stroke patients' reintegration into the society. Factors facilitating reintegration include:
| | Independence in daily activities | | | | Factors hindering reintegration include limitations associated with impaired mobility, severe stroke, comorbidities, speech challenges, and social isolation. | | |
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Pilot Study: A Prospective, Real-World, Feasibility Study Testing A Decreased Frequency Paradigm in Treatment Free Remission in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Team: Siri Ravipati, Waffa Bakheet, Indryas Woldie, Rasna Gupta, Greg Yousif, Hadeja Faraj, Abdulkadir Hussein, Rong Luo, Andrea Cervi, Gopila Gupta, Sindu Kanjeekal, Sahar Khan, Caroline Hamm
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What Is The Issue?
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of blood cancer that can now be managed very well with medication. Many people take a daily treatment called a TKI (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) for years, but these drugs can cause long-term side effects and are expensive. Doctors are now exploring ways for some patients to safely stop treatment, but this requires frequent lab testing, which isn't always available. This study looks at whether patients can be checked less often while staying healthy.
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Key Methods
18 patients with CML who had been doing very well on treatment for many years were invited to try stopping their daily medication. Instead of frequent monthly testing, they came for a check-in every 6 weeks to make sure their cancer was still controlled. If their test results showed any signs of returning disease, they restarted treatment right away. Patients also completed short surveys about their symptoms and overall well-being throughout the study.
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Results
The study followed 18 people who stopped their leukemia medication but continued regulation monitoring:
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Treatment-Free Remission Outcomes
- 72% of patients successfully stayed in remission during the first 6 months without treatment.
- All patients whose cancer markers rose again regained remission once they restarted their medication.
- People who have been on treatment longer than 10 years were more likely to stay in remission.
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Side Effects and Quality of Life Changes
- Muscle or joint aches increased from 6% at the start to 56% at week 6, then gradually improved (still present in 25% at study end).
- Some participants experienced changes such as: fatigue (some better, some worse), dry mouth, excessive sweating, heartburn, eye discomfort, changes in infection-related worries.
- A small number experienced mood or social changes, again, some positive and some negative.
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Why Is This Important?
This study shows that people with CML in Windsor-Essex may be able to safely reduce the frequency of their lab visits while stopping daily medication, without compromising their health. Fewer trips to the hospital or lab mean less stress, lower travel burden, and a better quality of life for patients. It also demonstrates that treatment-free remission is possible in a real-world, local community setting, not just in large academic hospitals. These findings could help local doctors offer safer, more convenient options for patients hoping to pause their medication and maintain remission.
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401 Sunset Avenue
Windsor ON N9B 3P4
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(519) 253-3000 x 4394
wesparkhealth@uwindsor.ca
Support WE-SPARK: wesparkhealth.com/donate
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