HKSB Research Collaborative Team Wins Two Third Prizes at the Greater Bay Area Brain Science Forum

In March 2026, the Residential Service Research Team of HKSB garnered two Third Research Prizes for its evidence-based research outcomes at the "5th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Brain Science Summit Forum (BSSF2026) & Guangzhou Academic Salon on 'Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Research'" held in Guangzhou. This recognition fully affirms HKSB’s professional excellence in rehabilitation services and applied brain science research.

Coordinated by HKSB's Occupational Therapists, the two research projects were successfully completed in collaboration with multiple local and overseas academic institutions, highlighting the fruitful results of cross-disciplinary and cross-regional research synergy.

Research indicates that visual impairment is one of the risk factors for dementia. One of the awarded studies revealed that Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) can effectively enhance the memory performance of individuals suffering from both cognitive and visual impairments, providing preliminary evidence-based support for dementia rehabilitation in residential care settings.

Another study analyzed brain activity during the swallowing process through Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). The findings demonstrated a synergistic effect among various brain regions during swallowing, deepening the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying dysphagia. This provides a scientific basis for relevant rehabilitation interventions, enabling elderly individuals with visual impairment to rediscover the pleasure of eating.

These research initiatives were joint projects conducted by HKSB alongside The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Tung Wah College, and the National University of Singapore. Looking ahead, HKSB will remain committed to an evidence-based approach, integrating scientific research with clinical services to promote the application of research findings, thereby further enhancing the quality of life for individuals with visual and cognitive impairments.