European Alzheimer’s Alliance Vice-Chair, Hilde Vautmans MEP (Renew, Belgium), has submitted a written question to the European Commission asking about the pace of dementia and cognitive disabilities in the forthcoming European Disability Strategy. The question submitted was as follows:
Dementia is a progressive, life-limiting condition which affects almost eight million people in the EU, for which there is no cure and no disease-modifying treatment. It often affects memory. However, as a neurodegenerative condition, it can also affect cognitive skills, speech, mobility, etc. In line with Article 1 of the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which recognises physical, mental, intellectual and sensory disabilities, the symptoms of dementia qualify it as a disability. Therefore, the following questions relate to the development of the next European Disability Strategy.
Will the Commission ensure that the strategy recognises the CRPD definition of disability?
Will the strategy take specific account of the unique nature of disabilities caused by progressive conditions such as dementia, as well as the need for focused policy responses, both by the Member States and in support provided by the EU?
To what extent will the European Disability Strategy link to other EU and international policies, inter alia, the EU4Health Programme, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the CRPD? The submitted question can be viewed here:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-004837_EN.html