Ontario couple advocates for wider access to Alzheimer’s treatments

A couple is sharing their story with Alzheimer’s in hopes of helping other families gain access to treatments that can slow the disease. Reta Ismail reports.

A London, Ont. couple is sharing their experience with Alzheimer’s disease in hopes of helping other families gain access to treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.

Bob Gardner, a 70-year-old retired Ontario Provincial Police officer, was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease after noticing subtle changes in his memory and speech.

“Physically, I feel the same,” Gardner said. “But I may be talking to somebody, and I’ll forget what I’m saying to them also, and it’s kind of hard that way,” said Bob.

With a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, Gardner recognized the warning signs and sought medical attention early. That early diagnosis allowed him to qualify for a recently approved disease-modifying therapy designed to slow the progression of the disease.

While Gardner is now receiving treatment, he and his wife, Wendy, say accessing it was a difficult process. The couple is now speaking out on behalf of other patients who may not have the same opportunity.

“We are fortunate that he’s able to get the infusions and that it’s helping our family, making memories and appreciating the time we have with him,” said Wendy. “Where there’s others that are not so lucky that they depend on our health-care system for support.”

Health Canada has approved two disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on managing symptoms, the therapies target the disease itself and can slow its progression.

“For the first time, and in Canada as well, we have two therapies that are now approved by Health Canada that actually slow the disease down,” said Dr. Jaspreet Bhangu, a geriatrician at Parkwood Institute. “They don’t just treat symptoms, but they slow the disease down. What that means for individual patients is huge.”

Despite the approvals, advocates say access remains limited because the treatments are not currently covered by provincial health plans, leaving many patients to pay out of pocket.

The Alzheimer Society of Ontario is urging the provincial government to fund disease-modifying therapies for eligible patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

More than 700 people have already sent letters to their MPPs through the Action for Dementia campaign, calling on the province to improve access to the treatments.

“These drugs do exist, they are available, they’re not covered,” said Adam Morrison, senior director of public policy and partnerships with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. “It’s really important to us that ability to pay is not a barrier to access to these drugs where patients want it as part of their treatment plan and where they’re going to be eligible.”

The Alzheimer Society of Ontario says access to treatment should not depend on a patient’s financial circumstances.

For Bob and Wendy Gardner, the goal is simple: ensuring more families facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis have the same opportunity to access treatment and gain valuable time together.

In a statement to CTV News, the Office of Sylvia Jones, the deputy premier and Minister of Health, said:

“Our government is taking action to improve care and support for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, while helping seniors stay healthy, connected and supported in their communities for as long as possible. That is why we continue to make significant investments in dementia care and services across Ontario.

“In 2024, we invested more than $4.1 million to expand access to complex care supports, including enhanced Alzheimer’s and dementia services, while connecting seniors and caregivers to community programs that promote healthy, active aging. As part of our government’s $114 million investment to strengthen supports for seniors and caregivers, we are investing $9 million to help long-term care homes implement emotion-based models of care training, $20 million to expand Adult Day Programs that provide vital social and respite supports, and $15 million to pilot Community Access to Long-Term Care, helping more seniors access services while continuing to live at home. We also passed the Improving Dementia Care in Ontario Act, 2024, which will help build a stronger, more coordinated dementia care system for patients and families across the province.

“Ontario continues to carefully review new and emerging therapies through rigorous, evidence-based processes to ensure patients have access to safe, effective treatments that deliver meaningful benefits and value for Ontario’s healthcare system."