In 1998, Alzheimer Europe:
- has grown considerably and we are glad to see that more and more organisations share the enthusiasm for our common European platform. 1998 has thus seen Alzheimer associations from the Czech Republic, Iceland, Norway, the Slovak Republic and Turkey join the 22 organisations from 18 European countries that were already members of Alzheimer Europe.
- finalised its work on two different European projects, which culminated in the drafting of the first European Alzheimer Manual and the development of an Internet site, which will shortly be available in the 11 official languages of the European Union.
- undertook work on two new projects “Lawnet” and the “Alzheimer Europe Intranet” about which you will find further information in the following chapters.
- was recognised by the European Commission as a representative European Coordination organisation active in the field of equal opportunities for disabled people
- co-operated with other European projects:
- developed an Alzheimer brochure for children together with Association Luxembourg Alzheimer. The brochure is aimed at helping children from 9 to 11 years of age to understand more about Alzheimer’s disease and to cope with the disease of a beloved grand-parent or relative.
- contributed a country report on Luxembourg and took part in the different discussions which took place in the framework of the Institute of Psychiatry (The Maudsley) project.
- actively participated in a project of the University of Glamorgan which brought together representatives of the main research projects in Europe in an attempt to synthesise the emerging data.
- participated in the REMIND (Research effort to maximise information on neurodegenerative diseases) project of the European Institute of Women’s Health in Dublin.
- was also present at a hearing of the Working Group on Human Genetics of the Council of Europe in June 1998. At this meeting, Alzheimer Europe presented its views on such issues as genetic tests, genetic counselling and genetic research.
- applied for the status of consultative non-governmental organisation recognised by the Council of Europe.
- continued its co-operation in the activities carried out by the European Disability Forum and Mental Health Europe.
- was recognised as a collaborating society of the European Federation of Neurological Societies.
- became a member of the European Public Health Alliance and participated in the Annual General Meeting of EPHA as well as other events, such as the Summer School on the European Public Health Policy.
- joined EurolinkAge as an associate member in 1998 and as such will participate in the organisation’s policy sub-groups on technology and on care issues.
- organised together with the Association Alzheimer Suisse the Conference “Keeping in touch” in Lucerne. The conference was attended by over 900 participants from 22 different countries.
- has started the publication of a quarterly newsletter, which has further enhanced the public image of the organisation. Over 1,200 individuals and organisations from various backgrounds currently receive the newsletter directly.