European action plan on dementia

Subject: European action plan on dementia

According to WHO estimates, dementia will become the third most common cause of mortality in Europe next year. However, the mission letter from Commission President von der Leyen does not mention dementia. Beyond the impact on patients and their families and friends, we must also consider the significant societal cost of inaction.

1. In light of this, is there a commitment to developing a European action plan on dementia?

2. How will the Commission ensure that this action plan addresses the full spectrum of dementia, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care?

3. What steps does the Commission plan to take to coordinate efforts with national governments and motivate Member States to develop and implement their national dementia strategies?

Submitted: 1.10.2024

Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission (11 November 2024)

1. The political guidelines presented by the President of the Commission call on the Commission to build on the work already started under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and to step up work on preventive health, to ensure a comprehensive approach to health promotion and disease prevention across the life course. This work will include addressing degenerative diseases. It will be for the incoming Commission to decide on the most appropriate measures to take, taking into account the responsibilities of the Member States in such areas.

2. The Healthier together EU non-communicable diseases (NCDs) initiative (1) supports Member States in identifying and implementing effective actions to reduce the burden of NCDs. The initiative includes actions on mental health and neurological disorders, including dementia. Through the EU4Health programme, EUR 4.5 million has been allocated to Member States to collaborate on dementia and stroke. An additional EUR 0.33 million will support civil society organisations on developing innovative practices for tackling dementia and eliminating stigma.

3. The Commission Expert Group on Public Health supports the development of health policies, including on dementia, in accordance with the priorities of the Member States.

1 ∙ ⸱ https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/healthier-together-eu-non-communicable-diseases-initiative_en#:~:text=The%20European

%20Commission%20has%20launched%20in%20December%202021,major%20NCDs%20and%20improve%20citizens%E2%80%99%20health%20and %20well-being