Staff and advocates from The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) participated in the Dementia Day at the EU Parliament in Brussels on 10 December 2024, which involved national Alzheimer’s associations and people with lived experience of dementia. The ASI’s Head of Advocacy, Research and Public Affairs Cormac Cahill, Advocacy Manager Philippe Carr, Patrick Crosbie (member of the European Dementia Carers Working Group), and Kevin Quaid (Chairperson of the European Working Group of People with Dementia) were all privileged to participate in key events and impactful discussions on dementia at a European level. The team was very grateful for the engagement with Irish MEPs while in Brussels including Billy Kelleher, Barry Cowen, Barry Andrews, Aodhán Ó Riordáin, Seán Kelly, Regina Doherty, Maria Walsh, Michael McNamara and Ciaran Mullooly.
The ASI extends a special thanks to Co-Chair of the European Alzheimer's Alliance Nina Carberry MEP for her ongoing support and engagement. The ASI was heartened to see so many working towards making dementia a public health priority at EU level. The Brussels events culminated in the Anti-Stigma Awards hosted by Alzheimer Europe and the Alzheimer Europe Foundation, where the winner and runners-up of this important annual initiative were announced. It was a fantastic opportunity for Team ASI to discuss the importance of recognising dementia as a priority in European health, research, social, and disability policies. A heartfelt thank you to Alzheimer Europe from The ASI for organising such a meaningful day dedicated to raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and addressing stigma.
Pictured left to right): Katarina Ivanković Knežević, Patrick Crosbie, Nina Carberry MEP, Kevin Quaid and Cormac Cahill attend that Anti-Stigma Awards in Brussels on 10th December