Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia in Spain, with a growing prevalence and a substantial socioeconomic impact. Within this context, The Memory Pact, an initiative promoted by the Spanish Confederation of Alzheimer's and other Dementias (CEAFA), was established to advocate for concrete measures to address the disease, focusing on three fundamental pillars: the creation of an official registry of patients, the promotion of early diagnosis, and equitable access to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. For this reason, on 13 March 2025, the Spanish Senate hosted an institutional event in support of The Memory Pact, where the president of the Senate, Pedro Rollán (pictured), read an institutional declaration in favour of people with dementia and their families, underscoring the Upper House’s commitment to the cause.
The declaration was recently approved by the Senate and marked a unified political stance on the need for immediate action against Alzheimer's disease. Jesús Rodrigo, Executive Director of CEAFA, presented the three key points of the Pact, stressing the urgency of implementing them. Mariló Almagro, President of CEAFA, underscored the necessity of immediate action, noting that every day without progress represents a lost opportunity for patients and their families. The session was attended by numerous senators and spokespersons from the Senate’s Health Committee, including María del Mar San Martín, President of the Committee, who emphasised that “Alzheimer’s does not only affect memory, but also identity and autonomy,” and described the reading of the Pact as “immensely useful for those tasked with legislating in this area.”
The presence of representatives from various political groups underscored the cross-party consensus behind the initiative. Scientific societies affiliated to the Pact also participated in the event, emphasising the need for a comprehensive approach and the commitment of policy makers to improve diagnosis, treatment, patient care and support for caregivers. In conclusion, the Senate’s institutional endorsement of The Memory Pact represents a significant step forward in raising awareness of Alzheimer's disease and promoting concrete actions to address it. However, it will require political will, greater investment in research and the strengthening of healthcare services, for which collaboration between institutions, scientific societies and patient organisations is necessary, CEAFA stresses, in its executive summary of the event of 13 March. Find out more about the Memory Pact, here:
