On 6-7 June, Alzheimer Europe hosted its second in-person meetings of 2023 in Brussels. The organization was delighted to welcome representatives from 18 of its members from all regions of Europe to exchange national policy developments and campaigning activities, among others. The Public Affairs meetings provide a forum for national Alzheimer's associations to share learnings, challenges, and good practices in an inclusive, open, and collaborative environment.
The meeting started with a warm welcome from Charles Scerri, Vice-Chairperson of Alzheimer Europe (Malta), followed by talks from Alzheimer Europe staff, including the European Dementia Manifesto and European Dementia Monitor by Policy Officer Owen Miller and Project Communications Officer Christophe Bintener. Next, two of Alzheimer Europe's Project Officers spoke about the advent of anti-amyloid treatment for Alzheimer's disease in Europe, with Cindy Birck providing an overview of the results of clinical trials on anti-amyloid treatments and Angela Bradshaw introducing the draft Alzheimer Europe position on anti-amyloid treatments.
The afternoon then began with presentations on risk prediction, brain health, and prevention. Here, Alzheimer Europe Project Officers Soraya Moradi-Bachiller and Daphné Lamirel spoke about their work on risk prediction in EU projects, which was followed by Soraya Moradi-Bachiller providing an overview of Alzheimer Europe's draft position on risk disclosure. The session then closed with a roundtable introduction of Alzheimer Europe's member activities on brain health and prevention. After a coffee break, the agenda focused on the impact of COVID-19 on Alzheimer's associations, with Angela Bradshaw presenting the results of Alzheimer Europe's survey among member organizations.
Last but not least, the attendees had the pleasure of hearing from the Director of the European Disability Forum, Catherine Naughton, on how the UNCRPD reporting system could be used to improve the rights of people with dementia at the EU and national levels. Alzheimer Europe is looking forward to meeting with its national member organizations at the next Public Affairs meeting in September.
