Summary:

This webinar will review the different ways that substances from the cannabis plant might help to manage dementia and related responsive behaviours, such as agitation, in people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have been studying cannabinoids, the active parts of cannabis, to see if they can reduce agitation, a common and distressing symptom. While non-drug approaches are usually tried first, medications are sometimes needed. However, current options can have serious side effects. Cannabinoids may work differently and could offer a safer alternative, but more research is needed.

The session will also highlight a new study testing whether a cannabinoid called cannabidiol (CBD) can help reduce agitation in people living with Alzheimer’s disease. This study builds on earlier research using a similar cannabis-based substance called nabilone, which showed promising results. The new study will help researchers understand whether CBD can offer similar benefits, with fewer side effects, and how it might be used in future dementia care.

This webinar is free to attend and is presented in plain language. You will have the opportunity have questions.

For more information on the study, visit:  https://tdn.alz.to/research_study/calm-it/ 

This webinar is presented in partnership with the Toronto Dementia Research Alliance

About the Presenter

Dr. Krista Lanctôt is a senior scientist at the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program and the director of the Geriatric Psychopharmacology Research Group at Sunnybrook Research Institute. She holds the Bernick Chair in Geriatric Psychopharmacology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the University of Toronto. She is also the research co-director of the Department of Psychiatry at Sunnybrook. At the University of Toronto, she is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry, where she is also the Vice Chair, Basic and Clinical Sciences, and a Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Her research focuses on understanding mood, thinking, and behaviour changes that happen in illnesses like dementia and stroke. She studies the brain chemicals and body processes that cause these symptoms and looks for new treatments, including medicines, brain stimulation, exercise, and diet. Her goal is to find safer and more precise ways to treat these symptoms and improve care for people living with dementia and other brain disorders.

6-Week Series on Tuesdays from January 13th – February 17th from 1:30-3PM at Riverdale Public Library located at 37 Broadview Ave.

January 13th, 20th, 27th, February 3rd, 10th & 17th 2026. 

Step into Stories of a Lifetime, a joyful and inclusive workshop where every voice matters. Designed to embrace mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia participants and their care partners. This series—led by storyteller Sage Tyrtle—celebrates the magic of shared memories and the connections they bring. No experience needed! 

To lighten the mood, we will have short laughing exercises with Magarita Caropresi. 

What you’ll experience:

• Gentle, inspiring prompts to spark your unique stories
• A safe and supportive space where all voices and cognitions are respected and valued
• Creative expression through words, gestures, or keepsakes
• The power of storytelling to connect and uplift 

 Every story is a gift—whether whispered, remembered, or newly discovered. Come as you are, and let’s celebrate the tales that make us
who we are. 

Sage Tyrtle is a professional storyteller and writer based in Toronto. Her work appears in New Delta Review, The Offing, Lunch Ticket, and Apex Magazine. She’s told stories on NPR, CBC Radio, and PBS’s Stories from the Stage, and has performed in Canada, the U.S., and India. A Moth StorySLAM winner and GrandSLAM champion, she teaches “The Art of Storytelling” in both educational and corporate settings. 

 For more information about this program, please contact Kristin Bartlett or by phone at 416-389-6099 

4-Week Series on Tuesdays, Aug 5th to Aug 26th from 10:00 – 11:30 P.M, on Zoom  

Art therapy is a mental health profession that combines the process of creative art expression with models of counselling and psychotherapy to enhance emotional, physical, and mental well-being. 

Kathleen Downie has facilitated many engaging art programs for AST clients over the years and is now an art therapy student attending the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute (VATI) distance program.  Kathleen has offered to facilitate this virtual art therapy group sessions as part of her training. 

Group art therapy sessions will provide participants with opportunities to work independently and with others to explore and express feelings and ideas that arise using a range of art techniques and materials –which will be sent out to participants. Group art therapy offers unique opportunities for support and encouragement through the close and supportive connection of the group members. 

If you have any questions, contact Kathleen 

In partnership with Providence, this monthly open support group will provide an opportunity for care partners of a parent diagnosed with OR suspected of having cognitive impairment to come together to support each other through the caregiving experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Opportunity to share insights with each other related to their personal caregiving experiences
• Discuss and share different strategies regarding self-care and care for their family members (including stress, communication and responding to behaviours)
• Learn about how others are adjusting to their own changing relationship
• Receive updated information about dementia and the services available at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto

Every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6:30pm to 8:30pm online using Zoom
(Zoom information will be provided via email at least 24-48 hours prior to the date)

*Disclaimer: Registration for this group closes on the Monday prior to the session. Your registration for this session does not apply to future dates. Please check your junk/spam email box if you do not receive the registration confirmation email. If you’re having trouble registering, please let us know by emailing: intake@alz.to

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS FOR INFORMAL CAREGIVERS/PARTNERS/FAMILY/FRIENDS. If you are a PAID Healthcare Provider, please see program offerings here: https://alz.to/health-care-professionals/

This monthly support group will provide an opportunity for spousal caregivers of individuals diagnosed with OR suspected of having cognitive impairment to come together to support each other through the caregiving experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Opportunity to share insights with each other related to their personal caregiving experiences
• Discuss and share different strategies regarding self-care and care for the person they are supporting (including stress, communication and responding to behavioural and cognitive changes)
• Learn about how others are adjusting to and coping with their caregiving journey
• Receive updated information about dementia and the services available at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto

Every last Monday of the month from 1:30pm to 3:00pm online using Zoom
(Zoom information will be provided via email at least 24-48 hours prior to the date)

NOTE: For June, this session has been moved to Monday July 7th

*Disclaimer: Registration for this group closes on the Wednesday prior to the session. Your registration for this session does not apply to future dates. Please check your junk/spam email box if you do not receive the registration confirmation email. If you’re having trouble registering, please let us know by emailing: intake@alz.to

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS FOR INFORMAL CAREGIVERS/PARTNERS/FAMILY/FRIENDS. If you are a PAID Healthcare Provider, please see program offerings here: https://alz.to/health-care-professionals/

This ongoing monthly support group provides an opportunity for care partners of individuals diagnosed with OR suspected of having cognitive impairment to come together to support each other through the caregiving experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Opportunity to share insights with each other related to their personal caregiving experiences
• Discuss and share different strategies regarding self-care and care for their family members (including stress, communication and responding to behaviours)
• Learn about how others are adjusting to their own changing relationship
• Receive updated information about dementia and the services available at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto

Every 2nd Thursday of the month from 1:30pm to 3:30pm online using Zoom
(Zoom information will be provided via email at least 24-48 hours prior to the date)

*Disclaimer: Registration for this group closes on the Monday prior to the session. Your registration for this session does not apply to future dates. Please check your junk/spam email box if you do not receive the registration confirmation email. If you’re having trouble registering, please let us know by emailing: intake@alz.to

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS FOR INFORMAL CAREGIVERS/PARTNERS/FAMILY/FRIENDS. If you are a PAID Healthcare Provider, please see program offerings here: https://alz.to/health-care-professionals/

This monthly open support group will provide an opportunity for care partners of a parent diagnosed with OR suspected of having cognitive impairment to come together to support each other through the caregiving experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Opportunity to share insights with each other related to their personal caregiving experiences
• Discuss and share different strategies regarding self-care and care for their family members (including stress, communication and responding to behaviours)
• Learn about how others are adjusting to their own changing relationship
• Receive updated information about dementia and the services available at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto

Every 3rd Thursday of the month from 5:30pm to 7:30pm online using Zoom
(Zoom information will be provided via email at least 24-48 hours prior to the date)

*Disclaimer: Registration for this group closes on the Monday prior to the session. Your registration for this session does not apply to future dates. Please check your junk/spam email box if you do not receive the registration confirmation email. If you’re having trouble registering, please let us know by emailing: intake@alz.to

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS FOR INFORMAL CAREGIVERS/PARTNERS/FAMILY/FRIENDS. If you are a PAID Healthcare Provider, please see program offerings here: https://alz.to/health-care-professionals/

This monthly support group will provide an opportunity for care partners of a person living with young onset dementia (diagnosed before the age of 65) to come together to support each other through the caregiving experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Opportunity to share feelings and insights with each other related to their personal caregiving experiences
• Discuss and share different strategies regarding self-care and care for the person they are supporting (including stress, communication and responding to behaviours)
• Learn about how others are adjusting to their own changing relationship
• Receive information about the services available at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto

Every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6:30pm to 8:30pm online using Zoom
(Zoom information will be provided via email at least 24-48 hours prior to the date)

*Disclaimer: Registration for this group closes on the Monday prior to the session. Your registration for this session does not apply to future dates. Please check your junk/spam email box if you do not receive the registration confirmation email. If you’re having trouble registering, please let us know by emailing: intake@alz.to

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS FOR INFORMAL CAREGIVERS/PARTNERS/FAMILY/FRIENDS. If you are a PAID Healthcare Provider, please see program offerings here: https://alz.to/health-care-professionals/