I’ve loved robots for as long as I can remember. When I watched Star Wars as a kid, I didn’t want to be Luke Skywalker or Han Solo – I wanted to be the guy who built R2-D2. So I am thrilled that today that what was once science fiction is becoming reality. Google is building cars that can drive themselves, and the best chess and Jeopardy! players in the world are computers from IBM. I’m especially enthusiastic about the…
I remember very clearly that moment when I knew what I wanted to do for my PhD. It was 1994 and I was visiting a long-term care facility as part of my studies. I met some really agitated patients with dementia. When I asked the doctor with me what caused the agitation in some patients but not others, he said no one really knew. I thought to myself we need to understand this. There has to be a better way….
I interact with a lot of patients at St. Michael’s Hospital’s memory clinic and at the stroke and brain tumour clinics. Often, the first words out of people’s mouths isn’t about their condition, but about their driver’s license. They want to know when they are going to get it back. At first, it was mind-boggling for me that they wouldn’t begin with questions about the possibility of their tumour coming back, or the results of their memory tests. Obviously their…
We all know that exercising regularly is good for our bodies, but did you know it can also support brain health? Back in 2013, the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) put together a panel of experts to explore the relationship between physical activity and Alzheimer’s disease. The resulting report found that people who are more active when they’re over the age of 65 are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease — by about 40%. For individuals already diagnosed with the disease,…
The Michael Rossato-Bennett’s documentary, Alive Inside, was recently screened at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. The film follows the work of social worker Dan Cohen as he implements the iPod project across the United States through his non-profit organization, Music & Memory. Inspired by the film and based on the evidence of the beneficial effects of music on people with dementia, the Alzheimer Society of Toronto launched its own Music and Memory: iPod project in 2013.The Society recognized a…
This summer, the Alzheimer Society is encouraging everybody to get off the couch and get active, be social, eat right and challenge your brain. It’s the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, which benefits not only your body but your brain as well. They can help your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. But they also slow the progression of the disease for those who already have it. Have you heard of Minds in Motion®? It is a new Alzheimer…
On July 20th, the Alzheimer Society was invited to the 4th annual Cruise for a Cure in King City to set up a booth and receive funds raised from the event. Thanks to Tim and Brenda for putting on this great day. It may have been a little damp, but attendance and spirits were still high.
Imagine you were 15 years old and you had to help your mother shower and get dressed every morning. This is a reality for many teenagers who have a parent with early-onset dementia. On July 15 at the Madonna Catholic Secondary School, a group of grade nine girls gathered to learn about dementia from Esther Atemo, a public educator at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. The goal was to help students walk away with more empathy towards people in their community…
Every Thursday, the Alzheimer Society of Toronto is present at the Sip & Savour: Farm & Artisan Market. Located on Avenue Road at Roe Avenue, this market showcases and brings together the best locally grown and made products available. From fresh produce to maple syrup to baked organic bread, this market has what you need to make an impressive spread for dinner that night. Come check out what they have each week, and stop by to say hello to the…
On June 20, the Alzheimer Society of Toronto held their annual Walk and Picnic in High Park for family caregivers and persons living with dementia. This event is always filled with fun, laughter and offers a safe space for families to enjoy the summer together. Take a look at the photographs below: For more information on how you can participate in programs in Toronto, please visit the events calendar