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Health Canada approves Lecanemab
Health Canada just announced that they have provided conditional approval to Lecanemab (brand name: Leqembi). This marks the first-ever disease-modifying treatment approved for use in Canada for Alzheimer’s Disease. It’s big step in the treatment of Alzheimer’s.
Here are some key things to note:
- This is not a cure, but a treatment. Clinical trials show that lecanemab slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease – it doesn’t stop it.
- Even though the drug has been approved, that does not necessarily mean it will be available. Provinces and private insurers will need to decide if they will fund this treatment and who they will fund it for. Costs in the US exceed $20,000 per year. The Alzheimer Societies in Ontario have been advocating for the Province to get ready for this treatment – now is the time for them to step up
- Only people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease will be eligible for treatment, a challenge when getting an early diagnosis can be difficult due to wait times or delay in recognizing the need for one.
- Regular monitoring through a MRI is required once you’re on the treatment to watch for side effects.
The Alzheimer Society of Toronto welcomes Health Canada’s accelerated approval of Lecanemab, a landmark moment in the treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, but this announcement while a step forward, is only the beginning. This approval marks a hopeful step forward but reminds us that progress must reach everyone — through fair access, early diagnosis, quality imaging, and well-prepared healthcare teams. Everyone affected by dementia must have the chance to benefit from these advances.
IG Private Wealth Management Unforgettable Gala
The Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) is very grateful for the overwhelming support received from sponsors and guests at the IG Private Wealth Management Unforgettable Gala on October 31, 2025. Thanks to your generosity, more than $364,000 was raised to help support the 51,000 individuals and families in Toronto who are navigating the journey of dementia. This vital funding will ensure crucial programs, resources, and care are available for everyone who requests them.
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Active Living
Offering an exciting range of activities to enhance social inclusion and physical well-being while exploring the benefits of creative therapies for people with dementia and their care partners.
Support Services
We provide free dementia support to anyone touched by dementia in Toronto, whether you’re a person with dementia or their family member, friend, or caregiver.
Support Groups
Living with dementia or supporting someone with a diagnosis can be a complex experience. Join a free dementia support group facilitated by one of our registered social workers to learn from individuals in similar situations and share insights.
AST Courses & Programs for Healthcare Professionals
We support Personal Support Workers (PSW) and other allied health care professionals (social workers, nurses occupational and recreational aides etc) through education and training.
Dementia Friendly Communities
The Alzheimer Society of Toronto is committed to supporting and building a Dementia Friendly Community.
Help ease the way through a difficult journey
Your generosity helps us provide needed support, information and education to people with dementia, their families and caregivers.
Are you a Health Care Professional?
Learn how to make referrals to our First Link® program to ensure that individuals and families living with dementia receive the support and information they need.
Volunteer
Volunteers are an essential part of our success as an organization. With your help and contribution, we will continue to develop vibrant communities free of stigma while fostering the inclusion of people living with dementia, their families, neighbours, coworkers, and care partners.