Speaking during this evening's parliamentary debate on a European initiative against Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, rapporteur Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL, Portugal) stressed the urgency of taking action in this area: "Since we started working on this report 6 months ago, more than 700,000 people will have developed Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia during this time."

Almost 10 million people suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias throughout the world, one-third of which are in the EU and, said MEP Matias, "we know that these numbers will double every 20 years.  This is why it is urgent for member states to intervene through more investment in research and cooperation as well as the creation of national plans to combat this disease. We cannot avoid talking about the problem because of the economic crisis."

Ms Matias said more action was needed on early diagnosis, prevention, treatment as well training, help and support for families and carers. "For every one person suffering from the disease, three people are affected by it." She also called for the best possible health coverage for patients as well equal conditions as regards access and treatment regardless of age, gender, financial resources or place of residence.

"Life with dignity for these patients can only be achieved through improved coordination between the member states and a more effective and solidarity-based response."

GUE/NGL PRESS CONTACTS:
Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20
David Lundy + 32 485 50 58 12
Gianfranco Battistini + 32 475 64 66 28
www.guengl.eu
Gauche Unitaire Européenne/Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group

For more information, please contact / Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez contacter:
Corlett Neil - Tel:+32 2 284 20 77 Mob:+32 478 78 22 84
Terzi Federica - Tel:+32 2 283 23 24 Mob:+32 494 18 88 31
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