January is Alzheimer Awareness Month!
Alzheimer Society Launches Campaign with a Call for Support for People Diagnosed with Dementia:
Belleville, ON, Wednesday, January 5 – January is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer Society of Hastings Prince Edward is pleased to announce the Society is launching a nation-wide campaign reminding people that the organization is the First Link® to Support, Knowledge and Community.
A diagnosis of dementia is not easy. Making a quick connection to a community of support can make a big difference by eliminating uncertainty and unknowns. The Alzheimer Society is the first place to turn – and First Link® is the connection to support, care, knowledge, expertise, and referrals.
First Link® is the Alzheimer Society program offering approved services and information to those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and caregivers. It encompasses the areas of Risk Reduction, Education, Living Well with the Disease, Community, Research, and Advocacy; an umbrella that brings together all aspects of the care and management of dementia in Canada.
With more than half a million Canadians living with dementia today, a number expected to reach almost one million in 10 years, the Alzheimer Society is continuing to enhance its support amongst people living with dementia to meet their needs early in, and throughout, their journey.
The goal of First Link® is to ensure a user of the services has the right support and information, from the time of an initial diagnosis and throughout the progression of the disease. By connecting with First Link, a user will have access to support and services from local Alzheimer Society and can receive referrals to other agencies and support providers.
To get access to services and programs, users are encouraged to call their local society directly, (self-referrals encouraged) or ask their family doctor about being referred to the Alzheimer Society.
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The Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward provides free navigation, education, support to individuals and families affected by all forms of memory loss, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward has offices in Belleville, Picton and Bancroft and serves thousands of clients annually. For more information, please contact us at 613-962-0892 or visit www.alzheimer.ca/hpe
Media Contacts: Amelia Huffman, The Alzheimer Society HPE amelia.huffman@alzheimerhpe.ca
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Quick facts
- Today, more than half a million Canadians are living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
- In almost 10 years, that number is expected to double to almost 1 million.
- Alzheimer Societies across Canada provide programs and support services for people with all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and their caregivers.
- The Societies also provide caregivers and families with information, education and resources to help them support the person in their care who is living with dementia,
- The Alzheimer Society is a leading Canadian funder of dementia research. Since 1989, we have invested over $67 million in grants and awards toward innovative dementia research through the Alzheimer Society Research Program, improving the quality of life for people with lived experience and bringing us closer to a future without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
- The Alzheimer Society is a key partner in the development of Canada’s first national dementia strategy, which will enhance research efforts and ensure access to quality care and support for all Canadians affected by dementia,
- The Alzheimer Society is the organization behind First Link® and all the important services and supports it provides to those diagnosed with dementia across Canada.