Table 1.

History of the Alzheimer Society First Link Program

• The First Link program was first launched in Canada as a demonstration project by Alzheimer Societies in Ontario and Saskatchewan in 2007 [37]. The program emphasizes strong relationships with primary care, including family physicians and other care team members.

• The key aim is to connect PLWD with education and support as early as possible by encouraging primary care professionals to refer PLWD to First Link at diagnosis, with permission from the PLWD (direct referral). The First Link Coordinator (FLC) contacts the PLWD and family directly, and then connects regularly thereafter. FLC offer information about supports and educational opportunities, and provide referral to Society and community-based programs and services throughout progression of dementia. PLWD and family members can also contact First Link themselves (self-referral).

• McAiney et al. [37] found that direct referrals to First Link from primary care providers were made sooner after diagnosis compared with self-referrals (mean of 7 months in Ontario and 6 months in Saskatchewan). First Link was a key resource in rural and remote areas where there is limited access to dementia supports and services. The program is now offered across Canadian provinces.