Meath needs ‘greater’ EU investment as over 2000 in the county live with Dementia
A Meath MEP is calling for “greater EU investment” in dementia research, as more than 2,000 people in the county are living with the condition.
Nina Carberry, who co-chairs the European Alzheimer’s Alliance, hosted a conference in Brussels this week with Dementia Research Network Ireland.
The event examined how the EU can finance dementia research and explored why women account for two-thirds of all dementia cases. Longer life expectancy, along with social and genetic factors, were identified as major contributors.
Latest HSE figures show that 2,078 people in Meath and more than 64,000 people nationally have dementia. This national figure is expected to rise to 150,000 by 2045.
MEP Carberry said that a coordinated EU Brain Action Plan is needed to improve early diagnosis, strengthen prevention, and expand access to new treatments.
"With the EU’s research budget expected to double over the next 7 years, from €95.5bn to €175bn, it’s crucial that dementia research receives increased dedicated funding", Ms Carberry said.
“We see that through increased physical activity, education and treating things like hearing and vision loss at an early stage, many dementia cases may be prevented or significantly delayed.”
“And with new biomarker tests, which can detect Alzheimer’s earlier than ever before, we are likely to see improved health outcomes into the future.”
“For rural areas in particular, we need to look at improving access to early diagnosis. Dementia affects thousands of families across Meath and so we must ensure that EU and national policies allow people to live not only longer, but healthier lives into the future”, Ms Carberry added.