Making dementia a European priority Marseille – 17 October 2008 Jean Georges, Executive Director

2 Overview Alzheimer Europe Paris Declaration of the political priorities of the European Alzheimer movement Campaign to make dementia a European priority Campaign outcomes Lessons learned

Alzheimer Europe

4 AE Mission Statement Changing perceptions, policy and practice in order to improve the access by people with dementia and their carers to treatment options and care services

5 Strategic Objectives representing the interests of people with dementia and their carers, involving and supporting national Alzheimer associations, improving the information exchange between Alzheimer Europe, its members and European structures, promoting best practice through the development of comparative surveys, developing policy statements and developing strategic partnerships

Paris Declaration

7 Adopted by Annual General Meeting in Paris (May 2006) Political priorities in the field of: –Public health –Medical and scientific priorities –Care and social issues –Ethical and legal questions –Alzheimer associations

8 Key challenges 6.1 million people with dementia in European Union Socio-economic impact of the disease Late diagnosis Impact on carers Lack of services Differences across Europe with regard to access to treatment and services

9 Delays in diagnosis

10 Carer burden

11 From problems to solutions Dementia as a public health priority Increased research funding Awareness campaigns Dementia in medical training Exchange of best practices (care models, guardianship systems) Support to Alzheimer associations

AE Campaign

13 Making dementia a European priority Paris Declaration adopted in 2006 Creation of European Alzheimer’s Alliance chaired by Françoise Grossetête (France) (grown from 30 members to 53) Total of 82 MEPs pledged their support

14 Making dementia a European priority (II) Week long exhibition in the European Parliament (17-21 September 2007) Lunch debates in European Parliament

Campaign outcomes

16 Increased public support 72 Members of the European Parliament (all parties and 20 European countries) Written Declaration in the European Parliament

17 National Initiatives French Alzheimer’s Plan (€1.6 billion) German Research Initiative UK Dementia Strategy

18 European initiatives French Presidency Conference on Alzheimer’s disease (30-31 October 2008) Council of Ministers decision to improve European collaboration on dementia research European Action Plan on Alzheimer’s disease (???)

19 Lessons learned Collaboration with national associations is key Development of relationships over time Scientific support for statements Strategic alliance with other stakeholders Transparency on funding

20 For more information