Toronto, ON — In a breakthrough moment for dementia research and care, Health Canada has approved Lecanemab, a long-awaited drug shown to slow the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease — marking what experts are calling a “turnaround decade” in the battle against dementia.
Lecanemab is the first treatment approved in Canada that directly targets amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, a key contributor to Alzheimer’s disease. For patients and families, this approval offers new hope after decades of limited treatment options.
According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, nearly 800,000 Canadians are currently living with some form of dementia, a number projected to reach 1 million by 2030.
Dr. Howard Chertkow, senior scientist at the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education and one of Canada’s leading dementia experts, joined Village Media’s Closer Look podcast to discuss why he believes this could be a transformational decade for both treatment and prevention.
He notes that alongside new therapies like Lecanemab, advances in early diagnosis, brain imaging, and lifestyle interventions are reshaping how doctors approach cognitive decline — offering earlier detection and more targeted care.
Hosted by Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look dives deeper into this groundbreaking medical development and explores what lies ahead for dementia research and patient care in Canada.
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