European and Irish political leaders joined advocates and experts for a special panel at the 36th Alzheimer Europe Conference in Dublin. Meeting at the Convention Centre Dublin on 28 October 2026, they asked how dementia could be pushed higher up Europe’s political agenda.
The panel backed the case for a European Dementia Action Plan spanning health, research, social policy and human rights. Drawing on Alzheimer Europe’s Helsinki Manifesto and the Neurological Alliance of Ireland Joint Declaration on Advancing Neurological Health, speakers set out practical steps for action at EU and national level.
Journalist and author Ken Murray moderated the session, which opened with Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection. Thanking civil society for championing lived experience, Commissioner McGrath said: “Our ambition must be to build a Europe where people with dementia can live with dignity, retain their independence for as long as possible and access the support that they and their families need.”
Nina Carberry MEP of Fine Gael and the European People’s Party, Co-Chair of the European Alzheimer’s Alliance, shared her personal experience and called for a stronger EU-wide strategy on neurodegenerative diseases.
Ciaran Mullooly MEP of Independent Ireland and Renew Europe, also an Alliance member, highlighted rural isolation and the steps communities needed to take to keep people connected.
Senator Fiona O’Loughlin of Fianna Fáil spoke as her party’s Seanad leader and Chair of the All-Party Oireachtas Group on Dementia.
Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú brought experience from Oireachtas committees covering EU affairs, disability, children and equality.
Emer Costello, Rehab Group’s Head of Advocacy and Campaigns, brought a campaigning perspective as a former Labour Party MEP for Dublin and former Lord Mayor of Dublin.
Mags Rogers, Chief Executive of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, brought the collective voice of organisations supporting people affected by neurological conditions.
