Seniors’ Wellness Series: Genetic Testing & Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are known to have a hereditary component. Abnormal genes can cause dementia while normal gene variants can increase or decrease our risk. Join Dr. Sharon Cohen as she discusses the role of genetics in Alzheimer’s disease, the types of testing available, and the pros and cons of obtaining genetic test results. This event is open to older adults, their family members and caregivers. Please call 289-499-2239 to register. You can also register online by clicking here. Sharon Cohen, MD FRCPC

Dr. Sharon Cohen is a behavioural neurologist known for her excellence in patient care, teaching, and clinical research. She completed her neurology residency and behavioural neurology fellowship at the University of Toronto. She is the medical director and site principal investigator of Toronto Memory Program, a community-based medical facility which she established in 1996 for the purpose of enhancing diagnosis, medical care, and therapeutic options for individuals with, or at risk for, Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Her memory clinic and research site are among the most active in Canada. Dr. Cohen has over 28 years of experience in clinical research and has been a site PI for over 180 pharmacological trials. In addition to her focus on Alzheimer’s disease, she has also participated in pharmacological trials for acute stroke, fronto-temporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia, Lewy body disease, Huntington’s disease, and vascular dementia. Her research site has been credited as a “go to” centre for Alzheimer’s trials and has been awarded for superior performance and quality in clinical research. Dr. Cohen represents Canada on international advisory boards and steering committees and is a consultant to a wide range of stakeholders in dementia, including government organizations and patient advocacy groups.  She is a frequent lecturer and contributes to media events including those on medical ethics. She is known for her advocacy of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. Despite holding academic and hospital appointments, Dr. Cohen chooses to practice in the community, in keeping with her belief that dementia care and clinical research are best offered in the real world setting.