B4-0291, 0292, 0301, 0302, 0307, 0308 and 0317/98

Resolution on Alzheimer's disease

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its resolution of 17 April 1996 on Alzheimer's disease and the prevention of disorders of the cognitive functions in the elderly ((OJ C 141, 13.5.1996, p. 129.)),

- having regard to the amendment of Article 129 of the EC Treaty on public health, introduced by the Treaty of Amsterdam, which, while failing to strengthen the Union's powers in this field as had been hoped for, nevertheless stipulates that a high level of human health protection must be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Community policies and activities,

- having regard to the Commission proposal concerning the Fifth Framework Programme for research and technological development activities (1998-2002) which has included, under the priority issue of the quality of life and management of living resources, a key action relating to population ageing, with the overall goal of promoting healthy ageing and independence in old age, referring specifically to Alzheimer's disease,

A. whereas the gradual ageing of the population of the European Union and the increase in lifespan are leading to a rise in the incidence of diseases linked to age, including Alzheimer's disease and related syndromes,

B. whereas some five million families in all the Member States are afflicted with indescribable and ongoing emotional, psychological and financial difficulties,

C. whereas the large number of projects submitted to the Commission each year by associations representing the patients and their families in Europe, in the context of the promotion of actions to combat Alzheimer's disease, demonstrates that this scourge has become a genuine socio-economic problem in all the Member States,

1. Deplores the fact that neither the Commission nor the Member States have yet responded adequately to its requests to step up efforts to combat this fast-growing disease;

2. Regrets in particular that the Commission has still not launched an action programme to combat Alzheimer¨s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders which would both provide an impetus for European research and coordinate measures taken in the Member States;

3. Urges the Commission again to submit, as part of the future communication on public health, a specific programme of action against Alzheimer's disease and related syndromes, as called for in its aforementioned resolution of 17 April 1996;

4. Emphasizes, considering the ageing of the population and the ensuing increase in the number of Alzheimer patients, the importance of research in this area, and highlights in this connection the key action in the Fifth Framework Programme for Research & Technological Development;

5. Reminds the Commission that provision has been made for Community financial support to implement action programmes in respect of other diseases, such as those related to pollution, rare diseases and diseases caused by injuries, and therefore calls for similar criteria to be adopted in respect of Alzheimer's disease;

6. Calls for the Commission to conduct a survey on the social and financial consequences of Alzheimer's disease in the European Union and to notify the European Parliament of its findings at the same time as it submits the aforementioned action programme;

7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the governments of the Member States.