Whether you are living with dementia, supporting people with dementia, or just looking for answers and next steps, the Alzheimer Society can help you.
Receiving a diagnosis of dementia is rarely easy. Upon hearing the news, the person receiving the diagnosis, their friends, and family members, will experience many different feelings and emotions, from shock to affirmation then grief. Even when the initial wave of emotion recedes, a question remains: what happens next?
It’s critical that the first steps after diagnosis are clear and accessible for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. That’s why the Alzheimer Society wants everyone in Canada to know about First Link® — it’s that vital first step to providing evidence-based education, services and support to people living with dementia and family caregivers. It’s also open to anyone who wants to know more about dementia, but isn’t sure where to start.
To access First Link, just call your local Alzheimer Society, ask your doctor for a referral, or visit alzheimer.ca/FirstLink.
At the Alzheimer Society, we believe that no one should have to face dementia alone. Through First Link, people who are newly diagnosed are connected to a community of support as soon as possible. It can make a big difference by eliminating the uncertainties and unknowns that come with that initial diagnosis.
By connecting with First Link, a person will have access to information that can help them face the challenges of dementia. They will also get connected to all the dementia-focused supports available in their local community. The Alzheimer Society has over 100 offices across Canada, and at each one there are a variety of different programs and services available to help people affected by dementia.
The Alzheimer Society also provides information on brain health — a key part of living well with dementia, but also, crucial to understanding risk reduction. For people concerned about dementia, we can provide the answers they might need to reduce their risk.
To get connected with First Link, we encourage anyone who is facing the challenges of dementia to call their local Society directly or ask their family doctor about being referred to the Alzheimer Society. And if you know someone who is being affected by dementia, and you’re wondering how you can help, consider letting them know about First Link.
