The following Members of the European Parliament signed Written Declaration 0057/2015

A Written Declaration on Alzheimer's disease  was launched on 5 October 2015

The Written Declaration was launched by MEPs Dominique Bilde (France), Patricija Šulin (Slovenia), Ivo Vajgl (Slovenia), Luke Ming Flanagan (Ireland), Valentinas Mazuronis (Lithuania), Emilian Pavel (Romania), Ruža Tomašić (Croatia), Jarosław Kalinowski (Poland), Brian Hayes (Ireland), Romana Tomc (Slovenia), Sophie Montel (Fance), Enrique Calvet Chambon (Spain), Rolandas Paksas (Lithuania), Cristian-Silviu Buşoi (Romania), Aldo Patriciello (Italy), Philippe De Backer (Belgium), Ivan Štefanec (Slovenia), Filiz Hyusmenova (Bulgaria), Neoklis Sylikiotis (Cyprus), Mara Bizzotto (Italy) and gathered the support of 123 Members of the European Parliament.

Written declaration, under Rule 136 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, on Alzheimer’s disease

1.   Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable neurodegenerative disease of the brain tissue that causes progressive and irreversible loss of mental functions, including memory.

2.   Six million people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease or related diseases in Europe, and the number of new cases diagnosed each year continues to increase.

3.   There is currently no curative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, but some drug treatments can help to slow the process and early detection can assist in better supporting patients and their carers.

4.   The Commission and the Council are invited to recognise Alzheimer’s disease and related diseases as a public health priority in Europe.

5.   The Commission and the Council are therefore called upon to adopt a comprehensive strategy for meeting the challenges presented by Alzheimer’s disease. Research aimed at developing sustainable treatment solutions and efforts to improve the efficient provision of information and support to carers should be promoted.

6.   This declaration, together with the names of the signatories, is forwarded to the Council and the Commission.

[1] Under Rule 136(4) and (5) of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, where a declaration is signed by a majority of Parliament’s component Members, it is published in the minutes with the names of its signatories and forwarded to the addressees, without however binding Parliament.