Toronto Memory Program

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.

05/20/2025

Clinical Trials Day is a time to recognize the extraordinary dedication that drives progress in Alzheimer's disease research.

At Toronto Memory Program, we extend our deepest thanks to our incredible staff, the research participants who volunteer their time, and the study partners and support systems who stand beside them. Your commitment is helping to change the future of Alzheimer’s disease—one trial at a time.

Thank you for being part of the solution.

05/09/2025

We’re grateful to this research participant for sharing their experience at Toronto Memory Program. For many, a family history of Alzheimer’s disease can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to offer clarity, support, and the opportunity to contribute to research that may change the future of this disease.

Whether or not someone qualifies for a clinical trial, understanding your cognitive health is meaningful. Every person who steps through our doors plays a role in advancing care and potential treatments.

Thank you for your trust—and for encouraging others to learn more about research!

05/06/2025

Sleep plays a vital role in how we form and store memories—and in how our brains stay healthy as we age. Research from Yale shows that during sleep, especially deep sleep, the brain not only consolidates new memories but also clears out waste proteins like beta-amyloid, which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Disrupted or poor-quality sleep may interfere with these essential processes, increasing the risk of cognitive decline. As scientists continue to study these connections, it’s clear that prioritizing sleep is more than just good advice—it may be one of our best tools for protecting memory and brain health.

During sleep, our brains are busy consolidating memories and removing waste to keep our minds sharp. Recent findings from Yale on sleep hygiene and more.