Alzheimer Society announces launch of province-wide First Link program

The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories is excited to announce the launch of First Link - a referral program where health-care professionals can directly refer people newly diagnosed with dementia to the Alzheimer Society for support and services throughout their journey with dementia.

Thanks to funding from the Alberta government, this program will be available across the province and will have enormous benefit for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

“People who are diagnosed with dementia and their families know that early access to ongoing, reliable support and information is critical when living with the many challenges that this disease brings”, says Lyn Krutzfeldt, President of the Alzheimer Society of Alberta & NWT.


First Link is a first-response strategy for people newly diagnosed with dementia and their families. The Alzheimer Society’s First Link™ program fosters partnerships with physicians and other health-care professionals who provide a formal referral as soon as possible after diagnosis. Patients and their families are connected early in their journey to a community of learning and support offered by the Alzheimer Society and other community and health-care services.

“The Alberta government is pleased to support the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories in delivering the First Link program,” said Health Minister Fred Horne. “By connecting people newly diagnosed with dementia to information and supports right away, this program can help bring comfort at a critical time to Albertans, and their families, coping with this disease.”

Funding provided by the Alberta government will also allow the Society to develop innovative, accessible alternative delivery services and programs to expand their reach to rural and remote communities. The province provided the grant of $2.76 million in March 2012, and the grant period runs through March 31, 2014.

“This will help to ensure that all Albertans get the information, support and education they need and puts the province in a better position to respond to people living with dementia, regardless of where they live” says Bill Gaudette, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Alberta & NWT.

About the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories

The Alzheimer Society is part of the leading nationwide health organization for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in Canada. The Society in Alberta supports innovative research, provides enhanced care and support to people with the disease, their families and their caregivers and is a prominent voice with government.

Today in Alberta approximately 40,000 people have dementia, with 17% of these having been diagnosed under the age of 65. This gives Alberta the highest prevalence of early onset in Canada. Alzheimer’s disease has no known cause or cure. Until a cure is found, the Alzheimer Society is here to help and provide support to those impacted by the disease. The Society works to heighten awareness, provide support services and support research into the cause and a cure for this disease.