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Join us for the next Speaker Series on February 22 at 6 p.m. as we highlight the latest information from the Landmark Study that was released in January. During this webinar, we will highlight the study, the populations, and the impact on dementia in Canada.
Visit alzeducate.ca for more information. |
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It’s hard to believe it has already been one year since I took on the role of CEO here at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. The time has flown by, and while I have learned a lot there is more to understand and so much important work to be done. Over this time, we have had many great moments. In the past year:
We expanded our services to traditionally underserved communities with the opening of the Scarborough Community Hub with over 3,000 interactions already in Scarborough this year With thanks to the Emily Bertoldi-Bernice Bogart Fund for Dementia Counselling we launched critical support groups for newly diagnosed individuals living with dementia Hundreds of Care Partners received much needed financial support through our Care Partner Support program |
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Active Living - February Program Calendar |
We have now made it easier for you to access our upcoming Active Living Programs with a monthly calendar. Click here to view our February Event Calendar. For more information please contact the Active Living Program Coordinators, Kristin Bartlett kbartlett@alz.to or Tracey-Adams Thibaudeau at tadams-thibaudeau@alz.to. |
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Minds in Motion® (IN-PERSON) |
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Tuesdays from 1:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2024 March 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024 |
Minds in Motion® is an evidence-based program that includes physical activity, socialization, and mentally stimulating activities for people living with dementia and their care partners to participate in together. This program runs once a week for 8 weeks on Zoom and is a great environment to establish new friendships. Click the button to learn more and register. |
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Garden Wellness Café (ONLINE) |
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Bi-weekly Wednesdays from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M.
February 7 - March 27, 2024 Virtual on Zoom |
Join the Garden Wellness Café to keep growing through winter! Certified forest therapy guide and horticultural therapy practitioner, Emma Rooney, will share tips for staying healthy and connected to nature all year long. From the comfort of home, you'll have a chance to meet others in a fun and supportive environment and be transported to beautiful outdoor settings through photos, art, and poetry. Caregivers are invited to attend alongside a person living with dementia or to join us to get ideas for sharing nature-based exploration with the person they are supporting. |
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The Colour of Everyday Life
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Wednesdays, from 1:30 - 3:00 P.M.
February 7 - March 13, 2024
Alzheimer Society of Toronto Head Office 20 Eglinton Ave W, 16th floor |
Over the six weeks of this workshop, participants will explore the art of everyday life, and it’s many seemingly mundane details! Through the eyes and artworks of Grayson Perry and Kaffe Fasset we will create our own spectacular artworks using drawing, painting, collage and photography. To celebrate our work at the end of this series, we will create a collaborative artwork facilitated by Kathleen Downie. No background in art making required, all are welcome. |
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Mid-Town Social
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Wednesday, February 7, 2024
5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
Alzheimer Society of Toronto Head Office 20 Eglinton Ave W, 16th floor |
Our monthly Mid-Town Social focuses on social wellness for people with mild to moderate Dementia and their care partners. We create purposeful connections among people who are on similar journeys while participating in a variety of engaging activities. The program is flexible and will be catered to the interests and needs of the group participants. |
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Creative Movement — Yoga (IN-PERSON) |
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Thursdays, from 1:30 P.M. - 2:30 P.M.
February 8 - 29, 2024
St-Andrew’s United Church located at 117 Bloor St E |
Join us for an in-person 4-part creative movement series and enjoy activating your body in a fun and inclusive space. Each week we will stretch, strengthen and find our flow with Lisa Brodie, who is a Certified Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist. This series is appropriate for learners at all levels and provides opportunities for each participant to learn at their own pace and in their own style, from a seated or standing position. |
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Find Your Inner Songbird
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Tuesdays, from 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. or 2:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.
February 20, 27 & March 5, 2024
Alzheimer Society of Toronto Head Office 20 Eglinton Ave W, 16th floor |
Work one-on-one with professional singer and songwriter Robin Dann to create your own original song. Participate in 3 sessions filled with conversation, singing, composition, and recording. At the end of the three sessions, Robin will provide you with a demo recording of the song you have written and recorded collaboratively. No prior musical experience or education necessary! Come as you are. |
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CARE PARTNER EDUCATION |
Workshop: Long-Distance Caregiving — in collaboration with Providence Healthcare (ONLINE) |
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Thursday, February 15, 2024
12:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M.
Online (Zoom) |
This workshop will explore some of the unique challenges and issues that can arise when caring from a distance, as well as identify the different ways caregivers can provide support and be involved in the person’s life. This workshop will be presented via Zoom and In-person at Providence Healthcare (3276 St. Clair Ave. East, Scarborough, ON, M1L 1W1). |
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Workshop: Dementia 101 for Care Partners (ONLINE) |
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Tuesday, February 6, 2024
1:00 P.M. - 2:30 P.M.
Online (Zoom) |
This workshop will provide care partners with an overview of Alzheimer’s disease focusing on the importance of early diagnosis and illustrates the progression of the disease. This workshop will be presented online via Zoom. |
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Workshop: Care Partner Stress and Building Resilience (ONLINE) |
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Tuesday, February 13, 2024
10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
Online (Zoom) |
This workshop is to help care partners identify their sources of stress and develop coping strategies. The focus of the session will be on exploring the concept of resilience and ways to build care partner resilience. |
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Workshop: Enhancing Family Dynamics (ONLINE) |
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Tuesday, February 20, 2024
1:00 P.M. - 2:30 P.M.
Online (Zoom) |
This workshop is for care partners of individuals living with dementia. The focus of the session will be exploring the significant sources of conflict for families dealing with dementia. Through this session, we will provide strategies to assist families in building on strengths and resilience. |
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Workshop: Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (ONLINE) |
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Monday, February 26, 2024
6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
Online (Zoom) |
This workshop is for people living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and/or care partners of people living with MCI. The focus of the session will be on providing an overview of MCI and the differences between normal aging, MCI and dementia. |
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Put on your walking shoes and start getting your steps in, the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is coming! |
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We are excited to announce that our IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s will be taking place on Saturday, May 25th, 2024, at Fort York. Join us — this year we will be coming together at one outdoor location to honour and raise vital funds to support people living with dementia. Keep your eyes on your email and our social channels, registration details will be announced shortly. Who will you be walking for? |
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GET TO KNOW YOUR FRIENDS AT AST |
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Active Living Program Dream Team! |
Our staff of the month for February is Tracey Adams-Thibaudeau and Kristin Bartlett. |
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When did you join AST and what is your role? We joined AST at the same time, in September 2021.
What intrigued you to join AST? Both of us have been collaborating with older adults with a special focus on building meaningful connections with people living with dementia and their care partners for several years. We are both passionate about setting up creative spaces for our community to embrace their abilities instead of focusing on people’s disabilities. The Alzheimer Society of Toronto was a blessing. We have found an organization that encourages us to try new things, as well as values us and supports wellbeing. We are both parents as well as employees and AST has allowed us to find a healthy work/life balance. We both feel very fortunate to have found the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. |
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What is your favorite part of working at AST? Our favourite part of working for AST is working with each other and our community. We call ourselves the Dream Team, because we have a similar philosophy, we strive to build creative and authentic relationships as a way to feed our souls and bring people together. We care deeply about holding meaningful spaces for all of us to be who we are today without judgement. AST has supported us in implementing this relational way of being and we are very grateful.
Where do we get our inspiration? LOVE, PLAY, LAUGH every day! We both love weaving together the best musical playlist to dance to, and spark moments of joy. Oh and Pintrest is our best friend, it has helped us find so many of our creative arts programming. |
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February is Heart Month! |
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Why is heart health so important and how is it connected to dementia? The same cardiovascular problems that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes also increase the risk dementia.
These include:
What is good for your heart is good for your brain. Living a healthy lifestyle that promotes cardiovascular health will help your brain.
Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin D, folate, and B6 and B12 vitamins Exercise regularly both your body and mind Stay socially active and challenge yourself daily Protect your head when playing sports
Get some brain-healthy tips to reduce your risk of dementia.
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Honouring Black History Month |
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Based on information collected from the US & UK, did you know that dementia impacts Black communities at higher rates with some studies showing they are two times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia?
This Black History Month, we honour members of Black communities who may be living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Learn more about the work we are doing to enhance our knowledge about race and dementia in Canada.
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Volunteers are needed all year! |
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Did you know that you can volunteer with the Alzheimer Society?
Volunteers play a crucial role at the Alzheimer Society. They help expand the reach of programs and services, speak out in public or keep our offices functioning.
We are always looking for enthusiastic and caring individuals who are open to supporting events, programs, or day-to-day office tasks. If you are looking for a way to give back to your community, either regularly or occasionally, consider filling out a volunteer application.
Whether it is once a week or once a year, volunteering makes a difference!
Learn more about how to support your community by becoming a volunteer.
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The Alzheimer Society Research Portal |
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The Alzheimer Society Research Portal connects researchers with Canadians looking to participate in research studies. Click here to find out more about participating in a research study, or the research studies available.
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IT'S UP TO ALL OF US TO COME TOGETHER NOW. #OURCONNECTIONSMATTER |
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