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Issue 58,
12 November 2010
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Prevalence and impact of dementia
Magda Aelvoet, Coordinator of the European Meeting on Dementia, Belgian minister of state
According to our most accurate data, 7.3 million people in the EU's 27 member countries suffer from some form of dementia. That figure is expected to double by 2020.
Because we still don't have a sufficient medical response to dementia, it's even more important that we examine closely how we can best help suffers "live well" with their illness.
Dementia was officially put on Europe's agenda in 2008 thanks to a conference on combating Alzheimer's organised by the French while they held the EU presidency.
In the follow-up to the conference, the European Commission published two landmark documents on dementia that now form the basis for joint research and cooperation among EU member states.
The Belgian presidency of the EU wants to keep dementia in a prominent spot on Europe's health agenda, with a particular focus on improving quality of life for people with dementia.
A high-level conference will be held in Brussels on 25-26 November during which representatives of health authorities and patient associations from throughout the EU will meet to:
- identify promising strategies and good practice for developing a more nuanced view of dementia as well as supporting dementia sufferers and those who care for them
- hear directly from dementia sufferers in their own words or through their artwork
- discuss conclusions that will later be presented to the EU Council.
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Special Eurobarometer on mental health
This report includes the 27 EU countries. The results are presented for the total EU27, by individual country.
Special Eurobarometer on mental health
This report includes the 27 EU countries. The results are presented for the total EU27, by individual country.
EU health workforce. Who takes care of those who care?
An adequate and sustainable EU Workforce for Health is a crucial issue for Europe, where rapid changes in demographic, an ageing population, widening health inequalities and changing disease patterns place additional challenges on the already stretched European health systems.
EU health workforce. Who takes care of those who care?
An adequate and sustainable EU Workforce for Health is a crucial issue for Europe, where rapid changes in demographic, an ageing population, widening health inequalities and changing disease patterns place additional challenges on the already stretched European health systems.
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Finland
Recommendations to improve the quality of terminal care
The newly published recommendations for terminal care aim at making terminal care more systematic as well as guiding terminal care practices throughout the country.
United Kingdom
Publication of the National Dementia Declaration
This declaration shows commitment from across health and care services and the voluntary sector, to transform services and tackle stigma to make a difference for people with dementia and their families.
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3rd European Symposium on Rare Anaemias and 1st Spanish Thalassemia Meeting for Patients and Professionals (Madrid, 19 - 20 November 2010)
The 3rd European Symposium on Rare Anaemias is an activity of the ENERCA project which aims to inform colleagues and stimulate interest on the subject of congenital and rare anaemias which constitutes today a health care concern of significant proportions.
High-level conference on dementia (Brussels, 25 - 26 November 2010)
Neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia will be back on the European agenda during the Belgian Presidency of the EU. The conference will follow on from the formal commitments made at EU level to improve the treatment of these conditions.
Cross-border healthcare: the patient’s perspective (Brussels, 1 December 2010)
The high-level roundtable will put forward a patient’s perspective on the legislative proposal on patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare. It will approach this theme through the topics of patient safety, quality of care and health inequalities, highlighting the added value of cooperation across EU member countries.
Assessment of EU nutrition policy (Brussels, 8 December 2010)
The event will provide an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences in the field and to lay the groundwork for future policy. Various EU countries (Belgium, Germany, France, Portugal and Slovenia) will report with evaluations of their nutrition policies.
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mhGAP Intervention Guide - for mental, neurological and substance use disorders in non-specialized health settings
This is a technical tool developed by WHO which aims to help scale up services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders, and especially to assist low- and middle-income countries.
mhGAP Intervention Guide - for mental, neurological and substance use disorders in non-specialized health settings
This is a technical tool developed by WHO which aims to help scale up services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders, and especially to assist low- and middle-income countries.
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High-level conference on dementia (Brussels, 25-26 November 2010)
Activities at EU level
Health-EU -
Mental Health
European Commission - DG Health and Consumers
Mental health
European Commission - DG Health and Consumers
European Pact for Mental Health and Well-being
European Commission - DG Health and Consumers
Europe for patients - Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
European Commission - DG Health and Consumers
EU Health Prize for journalists 2010 – Articles
Schizophrenia explained to family and friends: article by Estelle Saget, national nominee for France and winner
The article responds to the public’s negative perceptions of this disease using an authentic tone and offering solutions.
Moving tale of will and courage: article by Emilia Chiscop, national nominee for Romania - 3rd place
The author refers particularly to the case of a doctor with schizophrenia who recovers completely but has to face people’s prejudices afterwards.
End-of-life care nurtures and provides security: article by , Ilpo Salonen, national nominee for Finland
Hospice care is about attending to the person, not the illness. The article covers cancer, mental health and patient safety issues in a European dimension.
Health Programme Projects
Promoting mental health, minimising mental illness and integrating social inclusion through education
The project focuses on guidelines for generic training and education with respect to mental health promotion, illness reduction, and prevention of suicide, depression, and alcohol and drug abuse.
The EU contribution to the World Mental Health (WMH) surveys initiative
This project focuses on how to improve the knowledge base of public mental health through monitoring health policy reforms in Europe.
Institutional treatment, human rights and care assessment
The project focuses on how to improve the protection of human rights and dignity, as well as the general health, of those in health or social care institutions with mental ill-health, mental disability or dependency.
Other interesting links
MHE - Mental Health Europe
GAMIAN - Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks - Europe
EUFAMI - European Federation of Associations of Families of People with Mental Illness
ENMHP - European Network for Mental Health Promotion
ESMHD - European Society for Mental Health and Deafness
Alzheimer Europe
WHO Europe - Mental health
WHO - Mental Health
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