Alzheimer's Facts

What you need to know about Alzheimer's disease

Memory care homes across Canada

  • Approximately 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's Disease, according to the best estimates.
  • Damage to the brain can begin as early as 10 or 20 years before any symptoms begin to manifest. Using brain imaging, these early signs are beginning to be tracked but there is still much research to be done.
  • To a degree, individuals' risk of contracting Alzheimer's can be reduced through keeping the mind nimble and exercising memory.
  • Other studies have shown that social activity is also beneficial in combating Alzheimer's Disease.
  • There is some divergence of opinion when it comes to Alzheimer's and gender but a 2008 report put the risk ratio at 1:6 for women compared to 1:10 for men. The same magazine also reported that risk factors for each gender were different, with depression a contributing factor for woman and stroke the primary indicator for men. Read the report.
  • Prevalence over the age of 65. A US survey in 2010 pegged the percentage of those with Alzheimer's at one in eight or 13%.
  • Denial and defensiveness common reactions of family members. "For families, it's a real struggle if a mother who was always sweet now wants control over everything and gets angry if she can't get it," according to Lynn Gallagher of Toronto's Family Service Association.
  • Every day 1200 people are diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, according to Alzheimer's Reading Room. Approximately 100 Canadians every day are also diagnosed.
  • Over 50% of Canadians' lives are affected by Alzheimer's Disease, in one way or another.
  • Snoezelen therapy is still regarded as a worthwhile stimulant to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Disease was named in the early 20th century by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German psychologist and neuropathologist, Alzheimer diagnosed alterations in the brain tissue of an autopsied patient, who had suffered from symptoms including memory loss and unpredictable behaviours. Significant findings of his examination were the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Today, these are two of the three most prevalent features of Alzheimer's Disease, along with a loss of connection between brain neurons (nerve cells).

Alzheimer's Signs and Symptoms

According to the US body, The National Institutes of Health, memory problems at a young or middle age may indicate a propensity of Alzheimer's Disease. People with more memory problems than others may have a condition called amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A higher percentage of people with MCI go on to develop Alzheimer's Disease than those without MCI.

Brain imaging and biomarker studies can be used to diagnose early stage Alzheimer's in those with MCI or a family history of Alzheimer's. As of 2011, this is an indication of our deepening understanding of the disease and progress toward treatment and a cure. Read more about Alzheimer's signs and symptoms.

The causes of Alzheimer's Disease are still not well understood. But it is thought that the disease arises as a result of a mix of causes that includes genetics, the environment and lifestyle choices. It is thought that Alzheimer's affects aging people more than the rest of the population because of atrophy as well as inflammation and the increased production of free radicals.

But as with so much related to this disease, there is still much research needed to fully understand this disease and implement proper prevention, treatment and cures.

List of  Alzheimer's care communities

Click here to refine this list


Baycrest Terraces  

55 Ameer Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6A 2Z1

We are Toronto's Finest Kosher Retirement Residence located on the Baycrest campus. We offer Independent & Assisted Living and Memory Care. Baycrest Terraces, "Where Life Thrives". Call us today for more information.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Manor Village at Fish Creek Park  

22 Shawnee Hill S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2Y 0P8

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Briton House  

720 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 2N7

Family-owned and operated, the Briton House is dedicated to the highest standards of service. Offering a full continuum of care, a variety of amenities and suites, home-cooked meals, and a 15,000 sq. ft. indoor garden.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village of Taunton Mills  

3790 Brock Street North, Whitby, Ontario, L1R 0H2

The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

OPAL by Element  

438 West King Edward Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Y 05M

438 West King Edward Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Y 0M5 Opal offers a full continuum of support from Independent Living, Assisted living all the way to Complex Care, allowing the opportunity for aging in place.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Greenview Seniors Residence - Metta Lifestyles  

880 Lawrence Ave E, North York, Ontario, M3C1P6

At Greenview Residence, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.

Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village of Glendale Crossing  

3030 Singleton Avenue, London, Ontario, N6L 0B6

A true retirement hub featuring independent Living Apartments with full kitchens, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement suites with walk out patios, Assisted Care, Memory Care and LTC.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Queens Estate Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles  

265 Queens Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M6L 3C6

At Queens Estate, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.

Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care

Sagecare 147 Elder Street  

147 Elder Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3H5G9

Enlightened dementia care touches more than memory. 147 Elder St. is a place that provides opportunities for the joy and meaning still ahead when wellbeing can no longer be realized at home.

Lifestyle Options: Memory Care

Garrison Green by United Active Living  

3028 Don Ethell Boulevard SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 0C9

At Garrison Green by UAL, we offer memory care, independent and assisted living. Enjoy spacious suites, in-suite laundry, fitness studio, art studio, a la carte dining, underground parking and so much more!

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Aster Gardens  

7 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta, T8H 1Y7

Aster Gardens, an Optima Living community, opened in March 2021, we are transforming Senior's living. You are going to love living here....Let Us Welcome You Home!

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Dunfield Retirement Residence  

77 Dunfield Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 2H3

The Dunfield Retirement Residence has established a new standard in senior retirement living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with 177 spacious apartments. Where people come to LIVE!

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Manor Villages StayWell Manor  

174 Ypres Green SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2T 6M2

Staywell Manor Village offers elegant retirement living in the heart of Calgary. Whether you are looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care, we have lifestyle options to meet your needs.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Governors Walk Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles  

150 Stanley Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 2J7

A former monastery and friary, Governors Walk is designed to pay respect to the past while featuring a modern touch. Governors Walk is steps away from the picturesque Rideau River and Stanley park.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village of Erin Meadows  

2930 Erin Centre Boulevard, Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 7M4

Mississauga's unique continuum of care featuring a vibrant Main Street with Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

McCowan Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles  

2881 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, Ontario, M1J 0A2

McCowan Retirement Residence is a vibrant and family oriented retirement home located in Scarborough. With team members who have been here since we opened in 2004, you can expect a warm welcome and a feeling of home.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village of Wentworth Heights  

1620 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton, Ontario, L9B 2W3

The Village of Wentworth Heights is a full-service retirement living community offering retirement apartments, full-service suites, assisted living and memory care.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village of Tansley Woods  

4100 Upper Middle Road, Burlington, Ontario, L7W 4W8

At The Village of Tansley Woods, we offer the full continuum of care - Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care all in one village.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village of Winston Park  

695 Block Line Road, Kitchener, Ontario, N2E 3K1

This elegant retirement residence in Kitchener-Waterloo offers a continuum of care from independent living apartments to assisted living, memory care and long-term care.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

The Village of Humber Heights  

2245 Lawrence Avenue West, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9P 3W3

The Village of Humber Heights in Etobicoke offers different levels of service from independent apartments with meals to assisted living to long-term care.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

The Village of Riverside Glen  

60 Woodlawn Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 8M8

This elegant Guelph retirement home offers a range of care including assisted living and long term care, serviced by a friendly, caring staff.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Promenade Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence  

110 & 150 Rossignol Drive, Orleans, Ontario, K4A 0N2

With so much to do nearby, it’s easy to forget why you might want to stay home, but with its exceptional dining, impeccable design, and fun activities, you’ll find Promenade has many attractions of its own!

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Park Place Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence  

110 & 120 Central Park Dr, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 4G3

Whether you're looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care, you can access them all in one location at Park Place. We are a vibrant, social community surrounded by parks and close to many amenities.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village at University Gates  

250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 0E2

Now welcoming our Retirement Home Residents to the Village. We offer Waterloo a range of services for today's Senior including Retirement Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Long Term Care.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Chartwell Wescott Retirement Residence  

3841 Allan Drive SW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6W 4B8

An upscale retirement community with art studio, pool, yoga room and more. Located in Ambleside (Windermere) in south Edmonton with convenient access to coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants and shopping.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care

The Village of Arbour Trails  

32 Bayberry Drive, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 0C9

Guelph retirement home offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Includes 24 hour onsite nursing team and medication support within a Village-like setting. It takes a Village to care.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Prince of Peace  

300 Prince of Peace Way, Rocky View County, Alberta, T1X 1G2

Prince of Peace a variety of suites styles with kitchenettes and incredible mountain views. It's the perfect residence for seniors who are active, require some assistance, or have memory care needs.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Magnolia Gardens  

5840 Glover Rd, Langley, British Columbia, V3A 9K3

An oasis in the heart of Langley City, Magnolia Gardens features bright, spacious suites and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two choices in senior living: 115 independent living suites, and a 40-suite licensed Care Centre.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

The Vineyards Residence  

726 Valley Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 0E9

The Vineyards approach to assisted living & memory care allows people to go about life as they always have, despite health changes. Beautiful suites & homemade meals. Discover for yourself why we say Life’s Better Here

Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care

Riverwalk Retirement Residence  

528 25 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, V2S 0L5

Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Parkland on Eglinton West  

4650 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke, Ontario, M9A 0E3

Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love!

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Delmanor Elgin Mills  

80 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4C 0L3

Award Winning Delmanor Elgin Mills, has proudly served the Richmond Hill community since 2002, offering Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care options, you can choose from a variety of well-appointed sized suites.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Forest Valley Terrace By Symphony  

1510 St. Joseph Boulevard, Orleans, Ontario, K1C 7L1

Forest Valley Terrace is proud to be the only community that is specifically designed & dedicated to the unique needs of seniors with all stages of Alzheimer’s, dementia or other forms of memory impairment in Ottawa.

Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Waterford  

1345 56th Street, Tsawwassen, British Columbia, V4L 2P9

Featuring bright suites surrounded by pedestrian pathways, and a two-acre water feature in Tsawwassen town-centre. Two choices in all-inclusive senior housing: independent living and a licensed Care Centre suites.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Don Mills Retirement Residence  

2 Green Belt Drive, North York, Ontario, M3C 0P4

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Holland Gardens  

552 Holland St W, Bradford, Ontario, L3Z 4H3

Located in the heart of a vibrant community, Holland Gardens is the perfect place to live, laugh and enjoy life. An exciting community offering a luxurious resort lifestyle, an ideal place for inspired senior living.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Shores of Port Credit  

280 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga, Ontario, L5H 0A5

The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Credit River  

175 Rutledge Rd., Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 0X7

Credit River is a 6-storey condo style residence, with an array of well-appointed suite styles to choose from and our highly-skilled health care professionals are available around the clock if you need them.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Parkland Ajax  

3 Rossland Road West, Ajax, Ontario, L1Z 1Z2

Parkland Ajax offers independent and supportive options! Beautifully designed spacious suites, exceptional on site amenities and professional staff on site 24/7, Parkland is where you can live your best life!

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village Langley  

3920 198th Street, Langley, British Columbia, V3A1E1

We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy.

Lifestyle Options: Memory Care, Long-term care

Carleton Place Terrace by Symphony  

6 Arthur Street, Carleton Place, Ontario, K7C 4S4

We offer a truly all inclusive plan. We welcome pets: offer residents accommodation options .Our array of activities & chef-prepared meals keep our residents healthy & active. Offering beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Wintergreene Estates  

4950 Pasqua Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 7L2

At Wintergreene, you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Symphony Senior Living Kanata  

27 Weaver Crescent, Kanata, Ontario, K2K 2Z8

Enjoy the natural setting of the surrounding Kanata Lakes with access to shopping, parks and churches at Symphony Senior Living Kanata. This pet friendly community offers a variety of service packages and suites to fulfill your unique needs.

Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care

Richmond Care Home  

27 Nixon Farm Drive, Richmond, Ontario, K0A 2Z0

Richmond Care Home is a unique 16-unit retirement home specifically designed for women living with dementia. We offer cutting-edge exceptional memory care, that's very reasonably priced in an intimate home-like setting.

Lifestyle Options: Memory Care

River Ridge Seniors Village  

#4 River Ridge Dr. N.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8V1

A premier Park Place residence in the heart of Medicine Hat offering independent living, supportive living, and long term care options. With spectacular views and services, River Ridge is a warm place to call home.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Carp Commons Retirement Village  

458 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp, Ontario, K0A 1L0

One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Ravines Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence  

626 & 636 Prado Private, Ottawa, Ontario, K2E 0B3

Ravines offers you tranquility in one of Ottawa’s most scenic neighbourhoods, Prince of Wales. A social, carefree lifestyle awaits you in a friendly community staffed with individuals who truly care.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

New Horizons Tower  

1140 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M6H 4E6

From gracious dining to new suites and lounges, residents are enjoying the new management and upgrades found at 1140 Bloor Street West, in the Heart of Bloordale Village.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Hawthorn Park Retirement Community  

867 KLO Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 9G5

Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care


Home Care companies in all and area.

In-Home Assisted Living Inc.  

2 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario, M4V 3A1

In-Home Assisted Living offers caregivers and nurses to help seniors and people with medical challenges to remain living in their own home with safety and comfort. Also ask about our hospital bedside support.

Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care

Nurse Next Door Toronto Beaches  

1 Concorde Gate, Toronto, Ontario, M3C 3N6

Nurse Next Door Toronto Beaches provides compassionate 24 hour personalized senior care services with bonded, registered & licensed Nurses / RPN's, in your home, hospital, rehab, LTC & retirement communities.

Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care

Learn more:

Alzheimer's Facts from NIH.gov
Alzheimer’s Association (US) is headquartered in Chicago, IL.
Alzheimer.ca

Jim Huinink (with sources, as indicated below)



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