Alzheimer’s program expands to Prince Albert health region

REGINA — The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan held its official grand opening for the Prince Albert Parkland Resource Centre on Wednesday, while also recognizing the expansion of its First Link program.

First Link is a referral system to help doctors and other service providers connect people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their families to the Alzheimer Society for services and supports as early as possible in the disease process.

The Alzheimer Society noted in a media release that it’s often hard for people affected by dementia, and their families, to ask for help. First Link removes a barrier by ensuring that they are referred directly at the time of diagnosis, or as soon as is possible afterward.

The Prince Albert Parkland Resource Centre provides support, education and information to people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

A First Link co-ordinator is available to help people in the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region, who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The expansion of First Link to Prince Albert and other health regions is due to the partnerships between the Alzheimer Society, the provincial government and the Prairie North, Prince Albert Parkland, Cypress and Sun Country Health Regions.