To mark Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society of Toronto, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and the Toronto Dementia Research Alliance have partnered to bring you a virtual panel exploring innovative approaches in Alzheimer’s disease research and care.

Summary:

Current medications for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias have limited effectiveness and often come with significant side effects, highlighting the urgent need for new and safer treatments. One promising area of research is brain stimulation, which uses electrical or magnetic signals to influence brain activity. These treatments can be done invasively, with small electrodes placed inside the brain, or non-invasively, with electrodes on the scalp. Already approved for treating conditions like depression, brain stimulation shows promise in early studies for reducing symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, as well as for slowing cognitive decline and preventing progression to dementia.

During this panel, we will:

1. Provide an overview of brain stimulation therapies, including different types, their applications, risks, benefits, and limitations
2. Share insights into the latest research and opportunities for participation
3. Highlight the perspective of a research participant who has firsthand experience with brain stimulation

This event will be presented in plain language, and include opportunities to engage with the panelists and have your questions answered.

About the Presenters

Dr. Mina Mirjalili  is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). She completed her PhD in computational neuroscience at the University of Toronto. With a background in electrical engineering and computer modelling, Dr. Mirjalili’s research focuses on creating new treatments to improve cognitive function in people with mental health conditions. Her work involves developing personalized brain stimulation techniques and studying how the brain works during thinking processes.

Dr. Luca Pisterzi is the Vice President of Research, Programs, and Evidence at the Alzheimer Society of Canada. He is also a member of Canada’s Ministerial Advisory Board on Dementia. Dr. Pisterzi holds a PhD in Molecular Pharmacology and Biophysics and a Global Executive MBA in Healthcare and the Life Sciences. Having spent the last decade in various roles related to Alzheimer’s and dementia research, he focuses on turning research findings into practical solutions that improve the quality of life for those affected.

Vince Pancuska has valuable perspectives and insights through his lived experience with mild cognitive impairment, caregiving for someone with dementia, and participation in clinical research studies at CAMH.

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 is required and closes at midnight (12am) 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 ongoing monthly support group provides an opportunity for care partners of individuals living with dementia 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 is required and closes at midnight (12am) 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 ongoing monthly support group provides an opportunity for care partners of individuals living with dementia 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 last Monday of the month from 10:00am to 12:00pm online using Zoom
(Zoom information will be provided via email at least 24-48 hours prior to the date)

*Disclaimer: Registration is required and closes at midnight (12am) 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 provide an opportunity for care partners of individuals living with Lewy Body Dementia to come together to support each other through the caregiving experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Interact with other group members caring for those with Lewy Body Dementia
• Become familiar with the specific type of dementia
• Opportunity for therapeutic support as well as education information
• Share experiences and concerns and receive support from the group facilitator and other group members

Every 2nd Monday of the month from 5:30pm to 7:00pm online using Zoom
(Zoom information will be provided via email at least 24-48 hours prior to the date)

*Disclaimer: Registration is required and closes at midnight (12am) 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 workshop will be held on Zoom.
Registration is required to receive the link.

This interactive workshop is designed to help family members and friends caring for people living with dementia.

The following topics will be covered:

• What is self-care?
• Common barriers preventing caregivers from practicing self-care
• The benefits of self-care habits
• Strategies, approaches and ideas on incorporating self-care into our daily schedule
• Emotional hygiene and how to practice it
• Creating a self-care plan and sticking to it

Workshop will be presented using Zoom.
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link to participate.