This year Alzheimer Society Manitoba is shining a spotlight on its First Link Program. The program connects families impacted by dementia to services, supports, and resources at any point post-diagnosis. This year’s theme is “Community Changes Everything” which spokesperson Liz McLeod explains.....

“We’re focused on connecting to a community and we are part of the community and people who have had a diagnosis and their families are part of the community so what we’re trying to do is to help them understand that as soon as they can get in touch with us the better because they can find so many different supports, they can find out what they need to know right away, for example getting a Power of Attorney so that they have their ducks in a row and that way people feel they are still in charge and they are still in charge.”

More than 18 thousand Manitobans are living with dementia today and that number is expected to reach over 39 thousand by 2050.

To learn more or get connected to supports contact the Alzheimer Society at 1-800-378-6699 or visit www.alzheimer.mb.ca.