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.

Meet our third-party supporter, Quest Audio Visual Inc., who is hosting their annual Quest for Awareness fundraiser event on Thursday, July 10th at Steam Whistle Brewery in support of the Alzheimer Society of Toronto.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled evening to mingle and create memories, at this cocktail-styled event, please visit here for additional information and to purchase tickets.

Meet our third-party event organizer, Night Owl, who will be playing Rock N’ Roll favourites in support of the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. Tickets online $15 and $20 at the door. For additional information visit, www.nightowlrocks.ca.

Summary:

This webinar will focus on key topics related to Alzheimer’s disease, including biomarkers and early-onset Alzheimer’s. You’ll learn what biomarkers are, how they’re measured, and how they’re used in understanding the disease. We’ll also discuss early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which affects people under 65, and why early detection is crucial for managing the disease.

The session will also cover the DIAN-TU-002 study, a research trial focused on people with a rare gene mutation that causes Alzheimer’s. This study is testing whether early treatment can prevent the buildup of amyloid beta, a protein that forms clumps in the brain and contributes to Alzheimer’s symptoms. You’ll learn about the drug treatment being tested, how the study works, who can participate, and why this research is important for future Alzheimer’s treatments.

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/dominantly-inherited-alzheimer-network-trial-primary-prevention-dian-tu-002/

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

 

About the Presenters

Tina Le is a Clinical Research Coordinator at Sunnybrook Research Institute, focusing on Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia studies with Dr. Mario Masellis. She previously worked at Centricity Research, handling studies in endocrine, vaccine, and obesity areas, including diabetic retinopathy, RSV, and chronic kidney disease. Tina holds a Bachelor’s from Ryerson University (2020) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Research from Humber College (2022). She earned her Clinical Research Coordinator certification in 2024. Tina is dedicated to advancing research for effective treatments.

Anjana Elayathamby is a Clinical Research Coordinator and Research Nurse at Sunnybrook Research Institute, specializing in Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia studies with Dr. Mario Masellis. A registered nurse from Quebec, she pursued a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, with minors in Biomedical Ethics and Health Humanities. With over eight years of experience in neurology and neurosurgery, Anjana has a strong background in clinical care, research, and patient-centered practice. She is passionate about advancing compassionate, equitable healthcare and research to improve the lives of those affected by neurodegenerative diseases.

Join us at the Toronto Public Library – Hillcrest Branch for an education session about Brain Health.

 

This interactive presentation discusses the risk factors of dementia and how healthy lifestyle changes can help improve and maintain the health of the brain.

Learning Objectives
– Understand some of the research findings on reducing the risk of developing dementia.
– Recognize how lifestyle plays a role in a person’s risk of developing dementia.
– Commit to take action to reduce the risk of developing dementia.

 

Drop-ins welcome.
No registration required.

To learn more, click here

Description:

Interest in the genetics of dementia has increased with the availability of new treatments and clinical trials. This presentation will review the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease and Frontotemporal dementia. We will then discuss reasons, implications, and the process for testing someone with dementia as well as testing relatives who are at risk for inheriting a dementia-related gene. Making the decision to have genetic testing requires careful thought.

About the Presenter:

Jill Goldman is a Professor of Genetic Counseling in Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center. She has specialized in hereditary neurological diseases such as FTD, Prion disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.  She is on the faculty of the Columbia University Master’s Program in Genetic Counseling. Additionally, she leads a support group for caregivers of people with frontotemporal dementia. She also created and coordinates “A Friend for Rachel”, a companionship program in which people with early to moderate dementia are paired with Columbia pre-medical students. Ms. Goldman has authored many papers and book chapters including: “Genetic counseling and testing for Alzheimer disease: joint practice guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and the National Society of Genetic Counselors” (Genet Med. 2011). She is the editor of the textbook: Genetic Counseling for Adult Neurogenetic Disease: A Casebook for Clinicians, Springer, 2015. Ms. Goldman is an emeritus member of the medical advisory council of the Association for Frontotemporal Dementia (AFTD) Board and  presently an AFTD Board of Director,  and Chair of the Advisory Board for the Columbia University Genetic Counseling Master’s Program.

This workshop provides an overview of the relationship between dementia and epilepsy, as well as the various types of seizures. It will focus on how to notice signs of a seizure and what to do if a seizure occurs. This workshop is a collaboration between the Alzheimer Society of Toronto and NeuroBridge, a University of Toronto medical student club dedicated to bridging neuroscience education and community engagement.

Learning Objectives:

• understand the relationship between dementia and epilepsy
• understand the various types of seizures
• learn how to support a person living with dementia who experiences seizures

Join us at the Toronto Public Library – City Hall for our Brain Health education session.

 

Goals of this presentation include understanding the risk factors associated with developing dementia​, recognizing how lifestyle plays a role in your risk of developing dementia​, and taking action to support brain health.

 

To register, call 416-393-7650, or in-person at TPL: City Hall.
Drop-ins also welcome.

To learn more, click here

Join us at the Toronto Public Library – Maria A. Shchuka Branch for our Brain Health education session.

 

Goals of this presentation include understanding the risk factors associated with developing dementia​, recognizing how lifestyle plays a role in your risk of developing dementia​, and taking action to support brain health.

 

Registration is recommended.
To register, please call the Maria A. Shchuka library at 416-394-1000, inquire in-branch to register, or register through Eventbrite here

To learn more, click here

Join us at the Toronto Public Library – Maria A. Shchuka Branch for our Dementia Overview education session.

 

This presentation will discuss the difference between changes that come with normal aging and when something is not normal, reversible causes for these changes, and a general understanding of dementia. It also will cover the different types of dementia, progression, and knowledge of dementia symptoms and their impact on the person living with dementia.

 

Registration is recommended.
To register, please call the Maria A. Shchuka library at 416-394-1000, inquire in-branch to register, or register through Eventbrite here

To learn more, click here