WATERLOO, Ont. – The University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Health and Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging are pleased to announce that Laura Middleton, associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo, has been appointed Schlegel Research Chair in Dementia and Active Living.
Middleton’s research is centred around the goal of promoting the well-being and independence of individuals living with, or at risk for, dementia. To achieve this, she delves into the role of physical activity and complementary lifestyle strategies. Her research approach embodies co-design, involving people living with dementia, their care partners, health-care professionals, and community service providers as co-researchers.
“We are thrilled to welcome Laura Middleton to our team of Schlegel Research Chairs,” said Tina Mah, executive director at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA). “Her transformative work as an RIA research scientist has benefitted countless older adults and families already, and this new position will allow her to expand her impact.”
Dr. Lili Liu, Faculty of Health dean at the University of Waterloo, said, “This appointment recognizes the expertise and scholarly leadership that Professor Middleton has developed in topics related to living well with dementia.”
Middleton is co-lead of the Canadian Dementia Learning and Resource Network (CDLRN), a knowledge hub that facilitates collaboration and amplifies the success of community-based dementia projects across Canada.
More recently, Middleton led the Dementia Resources for Eating, Activity, and Meaningful Inclusion (DREAM) project, which developed strategies to improve the inclusion and participation of persons living with dementia and mild cognitive impairment in physical activity, healthy eating, and other community wellness programs. Her research has also investigated the impact of combined exercise and cognitive training or healthy eating on individuals at risk for dementia, contributing valuable insights into potential preventive measures against the disease.
“I am excited to continue my work with the RIA and build upon the already successful dementia initiatives as Schlegel Research Chair,” said Middleton. “Working even more closely with the RIA will accelerate the mobilization of our research into practice to increase the impact of our research on the well-being and independence of those living with dementia.”
ABOUT THE RIA
The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and care of older adults. The RIA tackles some of the biggest issues facing an aging population by driving research and innovation to improve education and practice. The RIA develops and shares solutions that make a difference to benefit older adults everywhere.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
University of Waterloo is a leading global innovation hub that drives economic and social prosperity for Canada and the world. With more than 41,000 students, we are home to the world’s largest co-op education talent pipeline, to game-changing research and technology, and to an unmatched entrepreneurial culture. Together, these create partnerships and solutions to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Find out more at uwaterloo.ca
Contact
Noel Gruber
Director of Communications and Public Relations
Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging
(519) 590-6635
noel.gruber@the-ria.ca