Toronto Memory Program

09/09/2025

Toronto Memory Program was so pleased to welcome Eli Lilly and Company senior leadership to our site this week. Together, we discussed Lilly’s upcoming and ongoing projects and shared feedback on how we can continue strengthening opportunities for Canadians affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

A big thank you to our colleagues from Lilly for their partnership, and to our TMP team — Dr. Sharon Cohen, Dr. Ian Cohen, Gail Somer, Vicki Giardino, and Justine Reaume — for representing our clinic’s work and commitment to advancing research.

09/05/2025

🥦🍎🥗 Building healthy meals doesn’t have to be complicated!

Canada’s Food Guide makes it simple:
✅ Fill ½ your plate with vegetables & fruits
✅ Add ¼ whole grain foods
✅ Include ¼ protein foods (choose plant-based often 🌱)

Use these proportions as a guide for meals and snacks—whether it’s in a bowl, lunchbox, or shared platter.

Healthy eating is about balance, variety, and foods you enjoy. Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried—all count!

💡 Tip: Try snacks like veggies with hummus, fruit with whole grain crackers, or celery with nut butter.

08/26/2025

When Jim was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he and Sue felt the weight of uncertainty. But by joining a clinical trial, they found hope and purpose—making every day count while contributing to research that could change the future.

When Jim was diagnosed with , he and his loved ones felt powerless, until they learned about the possibility of enrolling in a clinical tri...

07/24/2025

The brain is an incredibly complex organ made up of billions of neurons working together to control everything we do. Staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, and prioritizing sleep are key to maintaining brain health. Contrary to myth, we use all parts of our brain, even while sleeping.

The brain is a very complex part of your body. It has the ability to send and receive a large amount of information. Because of this, there are still many mysteries about the human brain. Here are some quick facts to help you understand the most complicated organ in your body. 1. Multitasking is imp...

07/17/2025

What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

MCI causes more memory or thinking problems than typical aging, but it doesn’t interfere with daily life like dementia does. People with MCI may notice subtle but concerning changes — like those shown here — that prompt them or their loved ones to seek help.

07/10/2025

“A diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease shouldn’t come with silence or helplessness.”

In this powerful Toronto Star feature, Toronto Memory Program patient Mike Kessler and our Medical Director Dr. Sharon Cohen speak to the urgent need for change in how Canada approaches Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, treatment, and care. With promising therapies on the horizon, the question is no longer if we can help — but whether our health systems are ready.

Read the full article to learn why Mike says, “I now know what’s wrong and I have time to make choices,” and why Dr. Cohen is calling for a revolution in dementia care.

Republished from the Toronto Star July 6th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON   When he was 64, Mike Kessler retired from his job in the auto industry because he felt like his brain wasn’t working as it sho…

06/27/2025

Lecanemab is a disease-modifying treatment for early Alzheimer's disease that targets amyloid plaques in the brain.

As shown in this visual by the BBC, lecanemab works by attaching to amyloid proteins, which are believed to contribute to neurodegeneration. This antibody then signals the immune system to clear the amyloid, ultimately reducing its buildup around neurons.

Clinical studies have shown that lecanemab can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by 27% in those with early symptoms. While it is not a cure, this represents an important step forward in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

06/19/2025

Alzheimer’s disease research has come a long way.

From relying on clinical observation alone to using blood tests and brain scans for earlier, more accurate diagnosis — and now, the potential for disease-slowing treatments.

This is what progress looks like. Thank you to every clinical trial participant who makes this possible.

06/16/2025

Did you know exercise can boost your mood and your memory? Watch this quick video from the National Institute on Aging to learn how staying active supports your emotional well-being as you age.

This animated video shows the emotional benefits of exercise. For more information about exercise and older adults, visit https://go.usa.gov/xSgMJ All comm...

06/11/2025

This powerful visual from “Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Development Pipeline: 2025” by Dr. Jeffrey Cummings and colleagues highlights the incredible momentum in Alzheimer’s disease research.

As of January 2025, there are 138 drugs being tested in 182 clinical trials. These investigational treatments span all stages of Alzheimer’s disease and target a wide range of underlying processes—from amyloid and tau to neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter systems, and more.

Toronto Memory Program is proud to be the largest Alzheimer’s clinical trial site in Canada and to be contributing to the advancement of many of these potential therapies. We are committed to helping accelerate the discovery of better treatments.

This progress would not be possible without the dedication of research participants and the growing role of biomarkers in identifying and tracking Alzheimer’s disease.

Read the full publication: “Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Development Pipeline: 2025” by Cummings et al. https://lnkd.in/gWWSTNkU

06/10/2025

People spend about one-third of their life sleeping or trying to sleep. Being older doesn’t mean you have to be tired. Sleep is important for your body and affects your ability to function during the day. Below are some healthy habits that can help you fall and stay asleep.

05/29/2025

Did you know there are lifestyle factors that can increase your risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease?

Things like:
❌ Physical inactivity
❌ Uncontrolled diabetes
❌ High blood pressure
❌ Hearing loss
❌ Smoking & alcohol use

The good news? Many of these are preventable or manageable.
✅ Stay active
✅ Monitor your health
✅ Protect your hearing
✅ Choose a brain-healthy lifestyle

Small changes today can make a big difference for your brain tomorrow.