The French President addresses delegates at the international conference on Alzheimer’s disease
Wednesday 20 July 2011
French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, spoke about the global crisis of Alzheimer’s disease and the French national Alzheimer’s Plan when he addressed delegates at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Paris, France. He said that since his election in 2007, he had made the fight against Alzheimer’s disease a priority.
President Sarkozy emphasised that the issues which surround Alzheimer’s disease go far beyond support and treatment, asking that consideration be given to wider issues such as what the proper position of elders and their families is within society. He said, “The humanity of our society is at stake through the place we give to our most vulnerable people and our ability to protect those who cannot take care of themselves” and that “suffering has no borders.”
Whilst highlighting various developments which have arisen out of the implementation of the French Alzheimer’s Plan, President Sarkozy stressed the necessity and importance of working collaboratively on an international level. He talked of the joint programming initiative in which 24 countries are working together and said to the audience “You represent the largest research teams in the world. You know that nothing great is done alone. The international dimension is crucial to serve science and medicine in the area of advanced technology and global health challenges.”
Raising the issue of addressing Alzheimer’s disease within the context the global economic crisis, the President said, “The question is not about debt, but getting in debt for what. If it’s getting in debt for economic progress, or for innovation, then I think it is a source of future profit. This is a major choice that France has made.” With respect to the investment made to the national Alzhiemer’s plan, he said, “We have committed EUR 1.6 billion – this is considerable – but I tell you, this is less expensive – giving means to researchers and doctors, than waiting for the development of the disease.”
The President closed by reaffirming France’s commitment by saying “I want to assure you of our utter commitment as the government. Like you, we want to abandon the old patterns of decline and national partisanship in favour of protecting each and everyone’s interest. You can count on France for help.
For further information please see the Alzheimer’s Association website at:
http://www.alz.org/aaic/wednesday_330amCT_news_release_research_advances.asp