Our Organization
The Alzheimer Society of Toronto currently connects 15,000 individuals a year with free counseling, caring support and programs, and education. We work to make sure no one has to feel alone in their journey living with dementia and that there is respect for the dignity of the individual.
The Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) works to enhance public understanding of dementia, advance research, and champion services that uphold the dignity of each individual affected by the disease. Since 1981, the Alzheimer Society of Toronto has been providing counselling, support and social programs to help those living with dementia, their families and their care partners and are currently connecting with 15,000 individuals annually.
In addressing the needs of these individuals, AST leverages a skilled team of professionals and volunteers with extensive experience in dementia care worldwide. With over 51,000 individuals in Toronto living with dementia, AST strives to stay on the cutting edge of dementia care.
Our Mission
We exist to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and to promote research.
Our Vision
We envision a world without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Our Values
Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Excellence
The Alzheimer Society Federation
A federation of 11 partners, the Alzheimer Society Federation is the leading nationwide health organization that supports people living with dementia, families and caregivers in Canada. Together there are offices in 140 communities across Canada.
As a federation, we define ourselves as a network of partners committed to a common mission and a shared brand and program model, while remaining legally independent from one another.
We share a belief that our ability to achieve our mission is enhanced through the federation and the collaboration associated with it.
The Alzheimer Society of Toronto is one of 26 local societies that form a network of Alzheimer Societies under the Alzheimer Society Ontario.
What is Dementia
Dementia is an overall term for a set of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. Symptoms may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language, severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. A person with dementia may also experience changes in mood or behaviour.
Almost 40% of people over the age of 65 experience some form of memory loss. When there is no underlying medical condition causing this memory loss, it is known as age-associated memory impairment.
Age-associated memory impairment is part of the natural process of aging. For most people, memory generally remains strong as they get older, and doesn’t decline rapidly or substantively.
However, brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are different.