The major one is setting up the Canadian Alzheimer's disease and dementia partnership, along the lines of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and the Mental Health Commission. I think the results of the Partnership Against Cancer, for one, show very clearly the progress that has been made in cancer research and a lot of cures today, which certainly a few years ago was not seen as a possibility. For us, the partnership is along the same lines, in providing leadership on a critical issue and coordinating research efforts. As you quite rightly said, there are a lot of different groups and research is being done, so there's a good coordination effort.
I did speak at the end to Mr. Cullen about the First Link program and how I think it is very important. It would be a part of that.
If I have a quick moment, the First Link program is.... For some, in getting a diagnosis they're told by a doctor, “You have Alzheimer's. Here's a prescription for a cholinesterase inhibitor. I'll see you in six months”. Whereas First Link says, “Here's your diagnosis. With your approval, I will give your name and contact information to the Alzheimer Society”. It then regularly follows up and says, “We understand you have a diagnosis. Is there anything we can do? We have support groups, brochures, etc.” Then there's another follow-up a few months later, and so on.
That has shown to be a huge benefit to the community and to the health care system.