Researchers at Rotman Research Institute are currently seeking volunteers to participate in a wide variety of studies, including studies on aging, memory, and cognition.
E-mail: volunteers@rotman-baycrest.on.ca
Phone: (416) 785-2500 ext. 2080
Volunteers should be between the ages of 18 and 90 and in good physical health with no previous neurological or psychological problems.
Contact
If you would like to participate in this important research, please fill out the volunteer form below. For more information, please contact us:
Research Division Subject CoordinatorE-mail: volunteers@rotman-baycrest.on.ca
Phone: (416) 785-2500 ext. 2080
Volunteer Form
Information will be kept confidential.Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is the time commitment associated with becoming a volunteer?
A. You can participate as often or as infrequently as you like. There are longer studies that require you to return to the Rotman and KLARU several times within a short period or you can volunteer an hour of your time periodically.
What types of tests do volunteers do?
A.
The tests most commonly used are pencil and paper, verbal, and pressing keys on a keyboard. Some of these are simple and others are more challenging. Generally, participants find them interesting and stimulating.
There are also brain imaging studies using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and Magnetoencephalography (MEG). You can choose to participate in the types of tests you are most interested in.
There are also brain imaging studies using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and Magnetoencephalography (MEG). You can choose to participate in the types of tests you are most interested in.
Are there any risks involved?
A.
All research studies have passed ethical review and are considered low risk, although in some cases a few questions are necessary to ensure that you would not be at risk.
The risks involved in the paper and pencil, verbal, and computer tests are minimal if any.
The imaging tests are similar to those used in clinics and hospitals. Participants are fully informed of any risks that may be associated with each study they participate in.
The risks involved in the paper and pencil, verbal, and computer tests are minimal if any.
The imaging tests are similar to those used in clinics and hospitals. Participants are fully informed of any risks that may be associated with each study they participate in.
How often will I be called to participate?
A. We call according to your preference. Some people prefer to be called every few weeks while others prefer to be called only a few times a year.
We also call according to the needs of the research studies being conducted at the institute. For example, you may be called if your age is within the range that is being investigated for a particular study.
Although you may not hear from us for a period of time, your name remains in the registry and we will continue to keep you informed through our newsletter.
We also call according to the needs of the research studies being conducted at the institute. For example, you may be called if your age is within the range that is being investigated for a particular study.
Although you may not hear from us for a period of time, your name remains in the registry and we will continue to keep you informed through our newsletter.
Is financial compensation offered to research volunteers?
A. Every study will cover the travel costs incurred during your trip to Baycrest Centre (i.e. parking or bus fare). In addition, some studies will offer financial remuneration.
MRI Studies
What can you expect when participating in a MRI study?
A.
Research involving MRI scans can usually take between 2-4 hours depending on the study.
Once inside the scanner you may be asked to perform certain tasks. You will be asked to lie flat on a padded table and will be slid into the scanner.
You will be able to communicate with the people conducting the study through an intercom system.
Once inside the scanner you may be asked to perform certain tasks. You will be asked to lie flat on a padded table and will be slid into the scanner.
You will be able to communicate with the people conducting the study through an intercom system.
Are there things I will have to avoid doing before a MRI scan?
A.
Yes, there are several things individuals must keep in mind before participating in a MRI study.
On the day of the scan, individuals must not wear any make-up, as some brands contain metallic components that will interfere with the magnetic scanner. Any personal items containing metals will have to be removed for example jewelry, watches, car keys, dentures, and hairpins. Any object with a magnetic strip should also not be taken near the scanner. This includes your credit and bankcards, as the magnet can erase them.
On the day of the scan, individuals must not wear any make-up, as some brands contain metallic components that will interfere with the magnetic scanner. Any personal items containing metals will have to be removed for example jewelry, watches, car keys, dentures, and hairpins. Any object with a magnetic strip should also not be taken near the scanner. This includes your credit and bankcards, as the magnet can erase them.
Are there individuals who should not participate in MRI studies?
A. Although most people can participate in MRI studies, if you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you should not participate in MRI studies.
- Is it difficult for you to lie flat for an extended period of time?
- Do you feel uncomfortable in small spaces or are you claustrophobic?
- Are you pregnant or do you suspect you may be?
- Do you have an implanted device such as a pacemaker or a hearing aid?
- Do you have any metal shrapnel in you body or any metal fragments in your eyes?
PET Studies
What can you expect when participating in a PET study?
A. PET studies generally take between 2-4 hours depending on the study.
Inside the scanner you will be asked to perform certain tasks.
A plastic mask is fitted to your face to help with the positioning of your head inside the scanner.
The scan begins with a small amount of a marked tracer being injected into your arm through an intravenous line.
The scan begins with a small amount of a marked tracer being injected into your arm through an intravenous line.
Are there individuals who should not participate in PET studies?
A.
There are several groups of people who should not participate in PET studies.
These include individuals who:
- are pregnant or suspect they might be.
- have difficulty laying down for extended periods of time.
- are uncomfortable with needles or small spaces.
- have recently participated in other procedures that involved the use of radioactive materials.
What are the risks involved with a PET?
A. The risks involved with a PET study are similar to the risks involved with an x-ray, as both involve some radiation. All of the risks associated with the study are discussed in full prior to any testing at the Rotman.