European Parliament - Written Declaration on Alzheimer's disease

On on 5 October 2015, a Written Declaration (0057/2015) was launched by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs): Dominique Bilde (France), Patricija Šulin (Slovenia), Ivo Vajgl (Slovenia), Luke Ming Flanagan (Ireland), Valentinas Mazuronis (Lithuania), Emilian Pavel (Romania), Ruža Tomašić (Croatia), Jarosław Kalinowski (Poland), Brian Hayes (Ireland), Romana Tomc (Slovenia), Sophie Montel (Fance), Enrique Calvet Chambon (Spain), Rolandas Paksas (Lithuania), Cristian-Silviu Buşoi (Romania), Aldo Patriciello (Italy), Philippe De Backer (Belgium), Ivan Štefanec (Slovenia), Filiz Hyusmenova (Bulgaria), Neoklis Sylikiotis (Cyprus), Mara Bizzotto (Italy) and gathered the support of 123 MEPs.

The Written Declaration noted:

1. Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable neurodegenerative disease of the brain tissue that causes progressive and irreversible loss of mental functions, including memory.
2. Six million people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease or related diseases in Europe, and the number of new cases diagnosed each year continues to increase.
3. There is currently no curative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, but some drug treatments can help to slow the process and early detection can assist in better supporting patients and their carers.
4. The Commission and the Council are invited to recognise Alzheimer’s disease and related diseases as a public health priority in Europe.
5. The Commission and the Council are therefore called upon to adopt a comprehensive strategy for meeting the challenges presented by Alzheimer’s disease. Research aimed at developing sustainable treatment solutions and efforts to improve the efficient provision of information and support to carers should be promoted.
6. This declaration, together with the names of the signatories, is forwarded to the Council and the Commission.

The written declaration can be accessed at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/DCL-8-2015-0057_EN.pdf?redirect

The signatories of the declaration were: