Call to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease backed by East Midlands MEP

East Midlands MEP Emma McClarkin has recently signed a Written Declaration which has invited the European Commission and the European Council to recognise Alzheimer’s disease and related diseases as a public health priority in Europe.

Alzheimer’s disease (an incurable neurodegenerative disease of the brain tissue) and related diseases affects six million people throughout Europe, with the number of new cases diagnosed each year continuing to increase.

Miss McClarkin said:

“I am pleased to support this Written Declaration, which I hope will raise awareness of the severity of Alzheimer’s disease and other related diseases. Whilst there is currently no treatment available which cures Alzheimer’s, there are a number of different treatments which may slow symptom progression and improve the quality of life by those affected by the disease.”

Diane Smith, Regional Operations Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in the East Midlands, said:

“There are more than 60,000 people living with dementia in the East Midlands, and that number continues to rise, so it is vital that we treat the condition as a priority for the region and continent. We need to provide people with the support they need to live well today, and to continue investing in research to provide hope for tomorrow.

“Tremendous progress has been made in recent years around public awareness of dementia, but there is still lots to be done, with thousands of people in the East Midlands missing out on a formal diagnosis as well as variable levels of support. We welcome any attempt to raise dementia up the political agenda.”

The Written Declaration has cross-party support, and calls upon the Commission and the Council to adopt a comprehensive strategy for meeting the challenges presented by Alzheimer’s disease. This includes promoting the development of suitable treatment solutions and efforts to improve the efficient provision of information.

If the Written Declaration is signed by more than 50% of MEPs, it will be passed to the Council and the Commission for consideration.