4 December 2018: Alzheimer Europe’s European Parliament lunch debate focuses on Dementia as a priority of the EU health programme
Alzheimer Europe held its final lunch debate of 2018 in the European parliament on 4 December 2018. The debate focused on the topic of “Dementia as a priority of the EU health programme”.
Hosted by European Alzheimer’s Alliance member Marian Harkin MEP, the debate was well attend with 92 delegates from across Europe, comprising representatives from the European Working Group of People With Dementia (EWGPWD), national Alzheimer’s Associations, national government representatives, researcher partners and pharmaceutical representatives.
Geoff Huggins, Director of Health and Social Care Integration at the Scottish Government presented on the work of the second European joint action on dementia, “Act on Dementia”. Mr. Huggins explained that the project was an example of an EU project funded from the health programme, building on the previous joint action project (ALCOVE). He outlined the project focused on identifying best practice for people with dementia within four work packages: diagnosis and post-diagnostic support; crisis and care coordination; residential care; and, dementia friendly communities. The project is due to conclude and report on its work in October 2019.
Jean Georges, Executive Director of Alzheimer Europe, gave an overview of some of the work taking place at a European level, including providing an overview of some of the policy and legislative drivers from the European Union, including the European Social Pillar and associated Work Life Balance provisions. Additionally, he highlighted the contribution of Alzheimer Europe through the yearbooks and ethics reports, the contribution to research projects and the facilitation of the government expert group on dementia.
Following the presentations, there was an open floor discussion involving delegates, with questions posed for the presenters on future areas of focus, as well as contributions from people living with dementia and carers of people with dementia who shared their experiences of living with the condition. As part of the meeting, Helga Rohra was presented with a plaque by Iva Holmerovà, Chair of Alzheimer Europe, thanking her for six years of service with the EWGPWD, including four years served as Chair of the group.
Iva Holmerová (Alzheimer Europe Chair) MEP Marian Harkin, G Huggins (Director Health & Social Care Integration Scottish Government
Alzheimer Europe’s next European Parliament lunch debate will take place on 26 February 2019 and will focus on Dementia as a European research priority.
