NEW ALZHEIMER PROGRAM TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO CARE

Seniors Minister Graham Addley today announced $105,000 in funding to the Alzheimer Society for a new program to address the needs of people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

The First Link program is a referral system designed to ensure that those who are newly diagnosed with the disease have early access to information services and support.

"Our government is committed to ensuring timely access to quality programs and services to meet the health needs of all Saskatchewan residents, including people with Alzheimer's disease and their families," Addley said. "The First Link program will provide important support to patients and caregivers, early on, so they know who to call and where to get help."

Currently under development, First Link programs will begin serving Regina and Saskatoon next spring, eventually growing to serve all areas of the province. Physicians, with a newly diagnosed patient's consent, will provide the person's name to the First Link co-ordinator, who will then call the patient and answer questions about the disease, direct the patient and family members to appropriate resources and invite them to education sessions.

"The First Link program will make a real difference in the way people who receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia can access support," Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan executive director Joanne Bracken said. "It will link agencies and services together in a collaborative effort to best serve people with Alzheimer's disease, their families and caregivers."

The initiative flows from recommendations of A Strategy for Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias, developed in January 2005 by the Provincial Advisory Committee of Older Persons in collaboration with the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan has approximately 18,000 people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disorder that affects a person's mental and physical abilities and behaviour by destroying vital brain cells. Aging is the highest risk factor for developing the disease.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joan Petrie Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083