In 2001, Alzheimer Europe:
- finalised its work on its project on equality in the provision of care at home, which was funded under the European programme for measures to achieve equality between men and women and continued the dissemination of the results of previous European projects.
- further developed its relationships with the European institutions (Commission and Parliament), as well as with the Council of Europe. More and more, the organisation was called upon to comment on proposed legislation by the European institutions or on draft protocols of the Council of Europe. The organisation was able to strengthen its public affairs role thanks to continued funding from pharmaceutical companies (Aventis, Janssen-Cilag and Pfizer).
- continued the development of closer links with other organisations active on a European level. We were particularly encouraged by the growing cooperation between researchers in the framework of the European Alzheimer’s Disease Consortium and their desire to co-operate more closely with Alzheimer Europe.
- took part in various activities organised by the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA).
- the 11th Alzheimer Europe Conference “Across the old borders” took place in Bucharest (Romania) from 9 to 12 June 2001. The conference was an ideal opportunity for the over 500 participants to exchange information and experiences and to raise the profile of this disease in Romania.
- for the first time presented the “Alzheimer Europe Award for outstanding services for people with dementia”. We were particularly honoured that H.M. Queen Silvia accepted the award, which was presented to her by Britt Ekland in the framework of the Alzheimer Europe Forum in the European Parliament on 7 March 2001.
- completely revised its Internet site. All information and documents produced by the organisation are now all available on the Alzheimer Europe Internet site, which is updated on a regular basis with news about the activities of the organisation. The new strategy has led to increased traffic to the Internet site, which is now visited by between 4,000 and 5,000 visitors a week.