President Sarkozy wins award for French Alzheimer Plan

Wednesday 07 March 2012

On 7 March, French President Sarkozy received an award from Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) for launching and supporting the "plan Alzheimer" throughout his tenure. This plan was launched in February 2008 - nine months after Mr Sarkozy took office - and will expire at the end of 2012.

In a letter of thanks to ADI, the president pointed out that more than EUR 165 million has been committed to dementia research in France, including funding for 143 research projects, 150 new researchers and training for 600 doctors. Mr Sarkozy noted that research into neurodegenerative diseases has also increased in many other European countries and is well-funded in various EU projects.

The President also noted that the perception of Alzheimer’s disease has considerably improved since 2007. Public awareness is much higher and this is helping the disease to shed its taboo image. Most importantly, this has proved beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease, their families and their caregivers.