Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
(Press Release)
Winnipeg, MB, Wednesday, January 5 – Being diagnosed with dementia raises uncertainty, fears and unknowns. This January, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society wants to remind families that there is a place to turn after diagnosis. The Society is your First Link® to a community of support, knowledge and people who care.
“Making a connection to the Alzheimer Society can make a world of difference for families. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, or caring for a family member late in the progression of the disease, we are here for you, every step of the way,” says Erin Crawford, Program Director, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. “Reach out to us, you’ll find yourself linked up with caring friends and professionals in a place where you belong.”
The Society is your first link to support, whether you have dementia yourself, or if a family member or friend is affected. The goal of the First Link® program is to make sure that families have the right support and information, from the time of an initial diagnosis and throughout the progression of the disease.
During Awareness Month, people living with dementia will share how support from the Society has helped them cope. For example, when Luc Lemoine was diagnosed with Pick's disease (one of the many types of dementia), he was shocked and afraid; he had no idea what the future would bring. His outlook changed when he started going to a support group for people with dementia at the Alzheimer Society. He was surprised to find happy group members joking around with each other as they talked about how life can still be fulfilling and enjoyable after a diagnosis.
With more than 23,000 Manitobans and half a million Canadians living with dementia today, the Alzheimer Society is continuing to enhance its support for people living with dementia to meet their needs early on, and throughout, their journey. “Connect with us to build your community of support. It feels more important now than ever before,” says Crawford.
Follow the Alzheimer Society throughout the month of January to see Luc’s video and to learn why he considers his support group to be a “magic” community of support and knowledge. For this and other stories, visit alzheimer.mb.ca/communitychangeseverything.