Niagara, ON – January is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region is pleased to announce it is launching a nationwide 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 an individual has the right support and information, from the time of an initial diagnosis and throughout the progression of the disease.

The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region’s mission is to advocate for and with people living with dementia and their care partners and provide access to a diverse range of appropriate resources and supports. By providing education, personalized in-home support services and wellness programs, families can better understand dementia, navigate the health system and access the resources they need when they need them.

It is so important to connect early in the disease process with the Alzheimer Society’s First Link Program. Call 905-687-3914 or visit www.alzheimerniagara.ca

Join us during Alzheimer Awareness Month:

1926 Skate for Alzheimer’s
Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery
Wednesday, January 26th
Steve McNeil will be skating 19 hours and 26 minutes as a tribute to his mother.

Donate $19.26 (in memory of Steve McNeil’s mother who was born in 1926 and created National Skate for Alzheimer’s Day) to support families in Niagara living with dementia. Donate at: www.alzheimerniagara.ca/donate and type 1926 in the comments!

Virtual Opportunities:

Self-Care for The Caregiver
Wednesday, January 12th at 10am
Register for Zoom details

Normal Aging Vs. Not Normal Aging
Monday, January 17th at 1:30pm
Register for Zoom details

Legal & Financial Issues Related to Dementia
Wednesday, January 19th at 6:30pm
Register for Zoom details

Exploring Dementia Through the 5 Senses
A Program for Children 4-12 years
Saturday, January 29th 10am
Register for Zoom details

Media contact
Cassandra Best
Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region
Manager of Fund Development
Ph: 905-687-6856 ext.556
cbest@alzheimerniagara.ca

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.
• 11,099 people in Niagara are living with dementia
• 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.

 

About the Alzheimer Society

The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region offers specialized counselling services to mitigate risk, a vast array of wellness and social programs and opportunities to educate people living with dementia, their families, informal and formal caregivers and the public at large.

The goal of the Alzheimer Society’s programming is that people living at home with dementia and their families share experiences, participate in community-based activities and receive individualized support toward safe and active community living.