Most years, World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September is an opportunity for Alzheimer associations to lobby policy makers to recognise the public health impact of dementia on all European health systems.
In 2009, we can look back on the past year and celebrate the many achievements and the growing recognition of dementia as a European public-health priority.
In July, the European Commission adopted an initiative on Alzheimer’s disease with a focus on early diagnosis, prevention, research coordination, best practices and the rights and dignity of patients.
In February, close to 60% of the Members of the European Parliament signed Written Declaration 80/2008 on the priorities in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
During its EU presidency, France dedicated two Council conclusions and a high-level conference to Alzheimer’s, outlining the core elements of closer European cooperation in our field.
Thanks to the Commission's support, Alzheimer Europe was able to implement its own “EuroCoDe – European Collaboration on Dementia” project, which provided an overview of different approaches across Europe with regard to diagnosis, treatment, social support and psycho-social interventions and new insights into the prevalence, cost and prevention of dementia.
Alzheimer Europe was truly delighted by this important commitment from all the EU institutions to improve the lives of the 7.3 million Europeans suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and we pledge our full cooperation on this important European initiative.
