Technical Advisory Committee

The Alzheimer’s Innovation Institute Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is made up of health care professionals and researchers with significant knowledge and expertise related to dementia research and brain health. An invaluable resource in the further development of new program materials, the TAC also provides input and guidance regarding proposed existing program changes.

Dr. Kiraly lives on Bowen Island and is interested in mental health services for older adults in rural and remote communities. As a clinician, he works both in private practice and as a consultant in Vancouver Coastal Health, Coast Garibaldi region (Bowen Island, Squamish and with the West Community Health team in West Vancouver). As an educator, Dr. Kiraly holds an academic position as Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and teaches medical students at UBC. Dr. Kiraly has a special interest in neuropsychiatry and neuro-endocrinology – specifically, the effects of stress hormones on the brain. He developed The Healthy Brain Program, which he presented at the 2007 BCPGA Conference in Victoria, along with the Sea to Sky Older Adult Mental Health Team. We would like to congratulate Dr. Kiraly on the recent publication of his book, Your Healthy Brain, which is the culmination of many years of work. The book describes the “eight pillars of brain health” and is a practical guide for everyone – laypersons and professionals. With its focus on healthy lifestyle maintenance and disease prevention, Your Healthy Brain is an informative addition to anyone’s health reference library.

Dr. Dolly Dastoor was born in Bombay and received her B.A. and M.A. from Bombay University. She went to Nigeria in 1964 and worked as a WHO Research Fellow at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria. In 1973 she immigrated to Canada with her family and joined the Douglas Hospital as a Clinical Psychologist. At present she is the Clinical-administrative manager of the Program in Dementia and specializes in assessment of dementias. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and in the Centre of Aging, McGill University and Clinical Supervisor in the Department of Psychology, Universities of Concordia, of McGill, and Montreal. She has a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology from Concordia University in Montreal. She is active in teaching, research, and in clinical work. She was the Divisional Chair, Canadian Association on Gerontology, and at present is Secretary/Treasurer, Aging Division Canadian Psychological Association. She has extensively published and lectured on the subject of Alzheimer Disease and was the 1990 recipient of the Roberts Award of Douglas Hospital for outstanding achievement. Dolly Dastoor was the founder President of the Alzheimer Society of Montreal (1986-91) and is an honorary Life member of the Board. Dolly was the President of Zonta International, Montreal Club, 1982-85, and Governor of District 2, 2002-2004, an International service organization of executives in business and profession. She served as the International Chair of the Status Women Committee 1989-1992 and attended the UN Commission on the Status of Women, in Vienna.

Dr. Hopper is an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at the University of Alberta. She joined the department in July 2001. Dr. Hopper's primary area of research is in treatment effectiveness of speech-language pathology interventions (i.e., memory and communication focused) for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Her secondary area of research in health care policy as it relates to provision of rehabilitation and nursing home care for older adults.

Dr. Hopper’s educational background includes B.A. (Psychology), University of Manitoba, M.S. (Speech-Language Pathology); Idaho State University, Ph.D.(Speech and Hearing Sciences); University of Arizona, Communication Disorders, University of Arizona).