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 Breain 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

Summary:

This webinar will focus on how rehabilitation and technology can help people living with dementia stay at home longer and live more independently. While rehabilitation is often thought of as something that restores or improves abilities, it is just as important to maintain the abilities people already have. Keeping those skills can help individuals continue to do everyday tasks without needing extra support. We will also discuss how technology can assist people living with dementia in completing daily tasks, staying safe, and reducing the risk of falls. Topics will include the use of self-cueing, exercises to improve balance, and even video games that can help with rehabilitation.

We will also share information about two studies looking at how technology and games are being used to make rehabilitation more effective for people living with dementia.

For more information on the studies:

Click links to learn more:

Task Sequencing & Dementia Study

Bootle Blast (Exercise Video Game) & Dementia Study

Have questions about these study listings? Email Victoria.Telford@camh.ca

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

 

About the Presenters

Christina Commisso, MSc Candidate at Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

Christina Commisso is a first-year MSc candidate in the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at University of Toronto and at the KITE Research Institute. Christina’s research focuses on the use and development of technology that supports people with dementia to complete activities of daily living more independently. Christina has worked in this area of research since 2022.

 

Erica Dove, PhD Candidate at Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

Erica Dove is a final-year PhD candidate in the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto and at the KITE Research Institute. Erica’s research focuses on the creative application of technology to support the health, function, and well-being of people living with dementia. Erica has worked in this area of research since 2014.

Join us at the Toronto Public Library – Jane/Sheppard Branch for an information session about Living Safely in the Community

 

This session’s goal is to enhance your awareness of the risks of someone living with dementia going missing and some reasons why this may happen.  Learn more about how you can help people with dementia live safely within the community and how to interact with someone who may be lost.

Learning Objectives

• Understand some of the reasons why people with dementia may go missing.
• Identify what to look for and how to help someone who is lost and confused.
• Review resources available to prepare for and prevent a missing incident.

 

No registration required. Drop-ins welcome.

Join us at the Toronto Public Library – Jane/Sheppard Branch for an information session about The Alzheimer Society Music Project.

 

The Alzheimer Society Music Project provides personalized music players at no cost to people living with dementia.
In this session, you will learn about the benefits of listening to personalized music and the role of the Alzheimer Society Music Project. Eligible individuals will also have the opportunity to apply to participate in the program.

 

No registration required. Drop-ins welcome.

To learn more, click here

Join us at the Toronto Public Library – North York Central Library 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.

 

Registration is encouraged.
Register via Eventbrite (registration is through the North York Central Library)

To learn more, click here

Join us at the Toronto Public Library – Morningside 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, call the branch at 416-396-8881 or register in-person at the Toronto Public Library – Morningside Branch

To learn more, click here