On 5 May, Alzheimer Europe held a lunch debate in the European Parliament in Brussels (Belgium), entitled “Dementia as a Priority in EU Policies”, attended by national member organisations, the European Working Group of People with Dementia (EWGPWD), civil society representatives, industry partners and policy makers. Almost 90 people were in attendance, including seven Members of the European Parliament (MEPs): Hilde Vautmans MEP (Belgium), Nina Carberry MEP (Ireland), Maria Guzenina MEP (Finland), Marit Maij MEP (Netherlands), Nikos Papandreou MEP (Greece), Maria Zacharia MEP (Greece) and Tomáš Zdechovský MEP (Czechia).
The meeting was hosted by Co-Chair of the European Alzheimer’s Alliance (EAA), Hilde Vautmans MEP (Belgium). She opened by sharing her own personal experience as a daughter whose father had Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting that the diagnosis often takes too long, even when family members begin to recognise signs and symptoms of the condition. She spoke about the need for dementia to be prioritized at a European level, especially in light of the figures showing the increase in the number of people living with dementia in the decades to come.
Owen Miller, Policy Officer, Alzheimer Europe, presented on the prevalence of dementia in Europe, outlining the findings of the report published earlier in the year. He highlighted some of the key findings of the report, including the changes in estimated prevalence rates by sex and age range, as well as explaining that 9.1 million people have dementia in EU27 countries in 2025, which is expected to increase to 14.3 million by 2050, despite the declining population in Europe. He closed his presentation with a call to action for decision makers, highlighting that inaction risks worsening the challenges faced by people living with dementia, noting the opportunity presented by the ongoing negotiations of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The following presentation was given by Ledia Lazeri, Regional Adviser, Mental Health Flagship, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, who presented on the Global Action Plan on dementia, as well as relevant global and European developments. She highlighted the WHO’s Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017-2025, which has been extended to 2031. She provided data to show that the goals of the plan were not on course to be met and that whilst Europe was doing better than other WHO Regions in many areas, it still was not meeting the targets. Additionally, she highlighted a number of resources the WHO had produced to support governments in the development of dementia policy, including in relation to awareness raising, research etc.
Olga Martinez de Briones, Policy Officer, Disability Unit, DG Justice and Consumers, European Commission, presented on the place of dementia in European disability programmes and policies. She opened her presentation by noting that the EU Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 was due to be updated, with a new version to be published the following day. She highlighted actions and legislative files undertaken in recent years by the European Commission, which have relevance for people with dementia, including the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card.
During the open discussion session, a number of MEPs in attendance reflected on their priorities around the future of dementia at an EU level.
MEP Carberry spoke of the rising number of people living with dementia and spoke of her commitment as a policy-maker to supporting work to prioritise dementia at a European level, including pushing for a dedicated research mission on dementia. Additionally, she spoke of the importance of development and implementation of prevention and risk reduction in dementia policies.
MEP Papandreou highlighted the increasing challenge to healthcare systems posed by the rising numbers of people living with dementia and the need for a focus on the risk factors associated with dementia. Additionally, he expressed the need to raise awareness and support to actively encourage people to volunteer and offer support for activities and services in the community.
MEP Zdechovský spoke of the importance of the cross-party nature of dementia as a policy issue and for concrete steps to be taken at an EU level. Additionally, he highlighted the progress in treatments, as well as the need for further research and collaboration.
Alzheimer Europe’s Executive Director, Jean Georges, drew the session to a close by thanking the speakers and attendees, noting that the figures presented underscored the need for actions at a European level.
Alzheimer Europe thanks all MEPs, speakers, delegates and its Gold and Silver sponsors, for making this event possible.
