08/12/2009
An estimated 8.6 million people in Europe suffer from neurodegenerative diseases, with Alzheimer's disease in the lead. Given the increase in life expectancy, the number of sufferers is expected to rise sharply by 2020. To alleviate the burden on patients, their families and carers, as well as national healthcare systems, the Competitiveness Council on 3 December launched a joint programming initiative (JPI) on combating these illnesses.
EU member states have recognised the need for national plans for Alzheimer's and related disorders. The impact of these diseases, however, is of such a scale that no country is capable of resolving the problem alone.
By contrast, coordinated European action, carried out as joint programming in research on these diseases, will help to reduce fragmentation of research and encourage the pooling of skills, knowledge and resources. This will advance research on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these disorders and alleviate the burden they impose on patients, their caregivers and society.
As a first step, member states are to develop a common vision on European research cooperation in this particular field and a strategic research agenda with medium and long-term objectives. The Commission will support the implementation of the initiative.
The joint programming initiative is a new tool for better coordination of national research and development policies.
In addition to launching the pilot project against Alzheimer's, ministers welcomed a first wave of themes for future JPIs identified by an expert group. These will respond to major future societal challenges in the fields of:
- agriculture, food security and climate change
- health, food and prevention of diet- related diseases
- cultural heritage, climate change and security.
More information:
Council Conclusions (pdf)
Council webcast of press conference