MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Joint Programming of research to combat neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease
4.11.2009
pursuant to Rule 115(5) of the Rules of Procedure
Françoise Grossetête, Elena Oana Antonescu, on behalf of the PPE Group
Patrizia Toia on behalf of the S&D Group
Jorgo Chatzimarkakis on behalf of the ALDE Group
Philippe Lamberts on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
Giles Chichester on behalf of the ECR Group
Marisa Matias, Nikolaos Chountis, on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
B7‑0133/2009
European Parliament resolution on Joint Programming of research to combat neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the World Alzheimer Report 2009 released by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) in the context of World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September 2009[1],
– having regard to the Commission proposal for a Council Recommendation on measures to combat neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s, through joint programming of research activities (COM(2009)379 final),
– having regard to Rules 115(5) and 110(2) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are major contributors to long-term disability, affecting more than 7 million Europeans, a number that will probably double in the coming decades as a result of the ageing of the population,
B. whereas no cures are currently available for neurodegenerative diseases, and knowledge about prevention, treatment, and identification of risk factors is very limited,
C. whereas the cost of dementia disorders in the EU27 in 2005 was estimated at EUR 130 billion, or approximately EUR 21 000 per year per person affected by dementia (this average total includes direct costs and costs incurred as a result of informal care),
D. whereas Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and related forms of dementia are being studied from multiple perspectives and in different areas of research, which may contribute to a further fragmentation of research activities,
E. whereas most of the research effort in this field is carried out by Member States, with a relatively low level of transnational coordination, leading to fragmentation and limited sharing of knowledge and best practice among Member States,
1. Welcomes the proposed pilot project for joint programming of research in this field; believes that the instrument of joint programming could be highly valuable in reducing fragmentation of the research effort, leading as it would to a pooling of a critical mass of skills, knowledge and financial resources;
2. Considers neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease to be one of Europe’s greatest challenges in mental health and takes the view that the fight against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease must therefore respond to a dual challenge: providing care for an increasing number of patients on a day-to-day basis and securing more resources so that the number of patients steadily decreases in the future; supports the Council Recommendation in consequence;
3. Underlines the urgent need to step up efforts to address the effects of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, at a social and public-health level, in the context of an ageing European population and also with a view to ensuring the future sustainability of national health systems;
4. Encourages all the Member States to engage actively in the definition, development and implementation of a common research agenda in the field of neurodegenerative diseases;
5. Calls on the Member States to improve epidemiological data on Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, in particular in asymptomatic phases and before the onset of incapacity;
6. Points to the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to research in this field, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and social research into the welfare of patients and their families and carers; believes that early diagnostic tests, research into risk factors (such as the environment) and criteria for early diagnosis are crucial; this being the case, sees clear added value in conducting large-scale epidemiological and clinical studies in transnational collaboration;
7. Believes that research programmes should concentrate, as a priority, on prevention, biomarkers (include susceptibility genetics), methods of diagnostic imaging, early diagnosis methods based on a multidisciplinary approach, standardisation of criteria and diagnostic tools and the creation of broad-based databases that can be used for population studies, treatment strategies and clinical studies of new chemical and biological substances, vaccines and technologies;
8. Points to the importance of research into the connection between the ageing process and dementia and between dementia and depression in the elderly; encourages Member States, furthermore, to promote research programmes that give great importance to patient choice and perspective;
9. Encourages the Council to build on existing structures in setting up this pilot project, avoiding the creation of new bureaucratic structures, and to collaborate where possible with industry in order to benefit from all available resources and experience, while ensuring independence and autonomy;
10. Encourages the Commission and the Council to include the problems of dementia in all existing und upcoming European Union initiatives related to disease prevention, particularly in connection with early diagnosis, cardiovascular health and physical activity;
11. Considers it important that the Commission should adopt a recommendation inviting Member States to inform the public about lifestyle changes that can delay and prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and to promote ‘brain-healthy lifestyles’;
12. Suggests that the Council and the Commission consider launching a European Year of the Brain in order to raise awareness of brain-related diseases associated with ageing, and measures to prevent them;
13. Calls on the Council to involve representatives of patient and carer organisations and healthcare providers appropriately in the pilot project for Joint Programming of research in this field;
14. Calls on the Council to inform Parliament of the progress and results of this pilot project;
15. Calls on the Commission to involve Parliament properly in any decision to support this pilot project and any future joint programming initiative in the field of research with funding from the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Development (FP7);
16. Believes that Article 182(5) of the Treaty of Lisbon, establishing measures necessary for the implementation of the European research area, could provide a more appropriate legal basis for future joint programming initiatives in the field of research; calls on the Commission to seriously consider using this legal basis for all future proposals on joint programming of research activities;
17. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.