Need for action on dementia recalled

Briefing 12-02-2016

Dementia is one of Europe's biggest challenges in the context of demographic change. It has wide-ranging social and economic consequences for those living with the condition, their families and carers, and society as a whole. The Council's conclusions of December 2015 acknowledge the importance of this challenge. Dementia is not one specific disease, but an overall term for a syndrome that affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language and judgement. There are many different causes and forms of dementia. The condition remains little understood, and there is currently no cure. Action to tackle dementia is centred on its prevention, early detection and timely diagnosis, and on improving the quality of life of those living with it through care and support. Research focuses on the causes and possible treatments, on better care and prevention, as well as on developing assistive technologies. The European Commission has published a communication on dementia, undertaken various activities and funded research. A European Parliament resolution from 2011 called for dementia to be made a health priority. Major global dementia initiatives include a G8 declaration, the creation of the World Dementia Council, and the first Ministerial Conference on 'Global Action Against Dementia', hosted by the World Health Organization. Civil society is also actively involved.