Dementia is one of the most critical, complex, and rapidly growing public health and social cohesion challenges at both national and European levels. Its impact extends beyond healthcare, affecting the sustainability of health and social care systems, public policy, and the overall quality of life of patients and caregivers. Recognising the urgency of this issue, Alzheimer Europe convened the European Alzheimer’s Alliance (EAA), a group of Members of the European Parliament dedicated to promoting dementia as a European priority. Greek MEPs have actively participated in the EAA over the years.
The Panhellenic Federation of Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders, a member of Alzheimer Europe, in line with this initiative, the implementation of the Greek National Action Plan for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as broader European strategies on mental health, ageing, and non-communicable diseases, decided to organise a Working Group for Dementia. This Working Group consists of Members of the Greek Parliament and Greek MEPs. The initiative aims to strengthen parliamentary awareness, encourage the exchange of best practices, and support evidence-based policymaking on dementia.
The group has already held five online meetings since January 2026, coordinated by Professor Emerita of Medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Magda Tsolaki, President of the Panhellenic Federation of Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders and member of the National Observatory for Dementia. The meetings focused on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment developments, support for caregivers, new Alzheimer’s therapies, the National Strategic Plan for Dementia, and the creation of dementia care structures in Greece.
The initiative has already produced tangible results. Parliamentary questions concerning the support for dementia patients and caregivers have been submitted to the Hellenic Parliament, while two Greek MEPs expressed their intention to join the European Alzheimer’s Alliance. The active participation of 15 politicians (ministers, MPs, MEPs, and their representatives) demonstrates the growing recognition that dementia requires coordinated national and European action supported by reliable scientific evidence.
