PLASTICISE project – New treatments for stroke, Alzheimer's disease and brain injury

Early results of a European-level project have developed treatments that can restore plasticity in adults back to the level seen in children

Alzheimer Europe contributes to Commission's reflection process on Chronic Diseases

On 30 April, Alzheimer Europe finalised its contribution to the European Commission reflection process on Chronic Diseases.

World Health Organization and Alzheimer’s Disease International: New report on dementia

A report released 11 April 2012 by WHO and ADI calls upon governments, policymakers and other stakeholders to make dementia a global public health priority.

EU-funded NILVAD project for a new treatment in Alzheimer's disease: website now online

NILVAD is a European multicentre double-blind placebo-controlled phase III trial of nilvadipine in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. It received funding from the European Commission.

European Patients'Forum: Report on the conference dedicated to older patients available (12-13 July 2011)

EPF report: EPF/FPP Conference under the Polish EU Presidency. A first step into the rights and needs of older patients

PLASTICISE project – New treatments for stroke, Alzheimer's disease and brain injury

Early results of a European-level project have developed treatments that can restore plasticity in adults back to the level seen in children

Alzheimer Europe contributes to Commission's reflection process on Chronic Diseases

On 30 April, Alzheimer Europe finalised its contribution to the European Commission reflection process on Chronic Diseases.

World Health Organization and Alzheimer’s Disease International: New report on dementia

A report released 11 April 2012 by WHO and ADI calls upon governments, policymakers and other stakeholders to make dementia a global public health priority.

EU-funded NILVAD project for a new treatment in Alzheimer's disease: website now online

NILVAD is a European multicentre double-blind placebo-controlled phase III trial of nilvadipine in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. It received funding from the European Commission.

European Patients'Forum: Report on the conference dedicated to older patients available (12-13 July 2011)

EPF report: EPF/FPP Conference under the Polish EU Presidency. A first step into the rights and needs of older patients

EU research: Uncovering drugs that boost cognitive function

Researchers have discovered that there are a number of drugs that give cognitive function a boost.

Study says men who smoke are more likely to develop dementia

A new study from University College London, led by Dr. Severine Sabia, shows that men who smoke are more likely to develop dementia later in life.

Karolinska Institutet coordinates international research on neurodegenerative diseases

It will coordinate a major EU research project on neurodegenerative diseases involving 22 countries.

Launch of the Research Strategy of the European Joint Programming Initiative in Neurodegenerative Disease Research

Speech from Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science.

Study finds link between molecular signature and Alzheimer's

Scientists in Finland have discovered how a biochemical signature can potentially predict progression to Alzheimer's disease.

Neurostemcell advances stem cell therapy research

Maximising prospects for successful clinical trials of stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's and Parkinson's is possible through solid cooperation between experimental and clinical researchers.

Alzheimer Europe survey shows overwhelming public support for greater investment in dementia care and research

Results of an international survey reveal that the majority of respondents in each of the five countries surveyed wish to see government spending increased both on research into treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and caring for people with this condition.

Scientists find way to design new brain drugs

A Belgian-British team of researchers has found a way to design drugs able to target specific areas of the brain.

Fighting Parkinson's with carbon nanoparticles

The study is an outcome of the NOBLESSE ('Nanotechnology, biomaterials and alternative energy source for the European Research Area (ERA))' project.

Study suggests link between early Alzheimer's disease and low body mass index (BMI)

People in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease may be more likely to have a lower body mass index according to a study published in Neurology (Monday 21 November 2011).

Minister calls for new approaches on antipsychotic drugs reduction

Last November the Department of Health set a target to reduce antipsychotic prescriptions to people with dementia by two thirds in a year.

European Medicines Agency releases qualification opinion on diagnosis of pre-dementia Alzheimer's for public consultation

The European Medicines Agency is seeking opinions from the public on a qualification opinion describing a biomarker to help identify patients who can be recruited for clinical trials of treatments for early Alzheimer's disease.

Epigenetic impact on neuropsychiatric disorders

Neuropsychiatric diseases including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are influenced by epigenetic processes, new research from the United Kingdom shows.

Self-assessed poor health could be an indicator of dementia risk

People who rate their health as poor or fair are significantly more likely to develop dementia later in life according to a study published online in Neurology

Connection between healthy ageing and neurodegenerative disorders

An international team of researchers partially funded by the EU has uncovered new information linking healthy ageing and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease.

Research advances understanding of nerve cell death in Alzheimer’s

Scientists have moved forward in their understanding of how nerve cells are killed during Alzheimer’s disease, according to research published in the Journal of Neuroscience

Alzheimer's Society website wins top accolade

Alzheimer's Society’s website has been named as one of the top ten health and medical online sites in 2011.

World Alzheimer's Day

Every year on 21 September Alzheimer associations across the globe unite to recognise World Alzheimer's Day and 2011 will be no exception with events taking place internationally.

Spotlight on EU-funded projects on World Alzheimer's Day

Every year on 21 September on World Alzheimer's Day, sufferers of the condition around the world are honoured and recognised in a drive to push Alzheimer's research to the top of policymaker agendas.

Up to 27 million people living with undiagnosed dementia worldwide, says report

Three-quarters of the estimated 36 million people with dementia worldwide do not have a formal diagnosis, according to a major new report published.

Alzheimer's Society urges people to sign up to Dementia Awareness Day’s Facebook page

Alzheimer's Society is supporting a new dementia awareness event, Dementia Awareness Day (DAD), which is taking place on Saturday 17 September 2011.

Public not aware of simple steps they can take to reduce risk of dementia, according to new research study

Only one in ten people realise that taking regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce their risk of developing dementia, according to a survey commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society and Bupa.

Touch-screen test could play role in diagnosis of dementia

The touch screen test - CANTAB - which involves a visual memory test will be trialled by a UK GP Commissioning Board. It will be made available to people aged over 50 who either self-refer to their family doctor, or who are advised to do so by a carer, with suspected Alzheimer's disease.

Higher density of blood vessels could point to Alzheimer’s

A higher density of blood vessels in the brain could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease according to research published in the Public Library of Science ONE online.

Study examines method for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists at The University of Manchester have discovered that measurements of brain activity could be used to predict Alzheimer’s disease in people with mild memory problems.

Book published about personal experience of living with Alzheimer’s disease

Norm Mcnamara has written about his experience of living with Alzheimer’s disease in the book entitled “Me and My Alzheimer’s”. Mr McNamara said, “At the age of 50yrs old I was diagnosed with Alzheimers, I am now 53yrs old and have every intention of beating it!!

Study explores the effectiveness of music intervention against agitated behaviour in people with dementia

A study on 100 elderly people with dementia has found that agitated behaviour can be alleviated by group music intervention.

International survey highlights great public desire to seek early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s

Results of an international survey reveal that over 85% of respondents in the five countries surveyed say that if they were exhibiting confusion and memory loss, they would want to see a doctor to determine if the cause of the symptoms was Alzheimer’s disease.

New way to reverse the effects of memory decline discovered, research says

A hypertension drug could reverse the effects of memory decline.

Research leading the way in the fight to reduce antipsychotics for people with dementia

Three groundbreaking, Alzheimer's Society-supported clinical trials are helping in the fight to reduce the unacceptable levels of inappropriate prescriptions of antipsychotics for people with dementia

Study uncovers new Parkinson's gene

Researchers led by the Medical University of Vienna in Austria have identified a new gene called VPS35 that impacts Parkinson's disease.

International survey highlights great public desire to seek early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s

Results from Europe and U.S. highlight interest in early diagnosis despite wide fear of and familiarity with the condition.

Study finds link between dementia and wide range of health problems

Improving and maintaining health factors not traditionally associated with dementia, such as denture fit, vision and hearing, may lower a person’s risk for developing dementia according to a new study

Alzheimer Europe newsletter

Alzheimer Europe newsletter covering activities as well as interesting developments in the dementia field in June 2011.

EU-funded scientists develop new approaches to fight Alzheimer's

Earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is one step closer thanks to a team of EU-funded researchers that has developed novel approaches for measuring biomarkers for diagnostics, and a sophisticated system for integrating the information analytically.

Dementia not taken seriously enough according to poll

Dementia is the most joked about medical condition according to an Alzheimer's Society commissioned poll.

Alzheimer's Society launches competition to put dementia in the frame

Alzheimer’s Society is calling on amateur and professional photographers to capture what it is like to live with dementia as the charity launches a competition ahead of Dementia Awareness Week.

Cinnamon can delay development of Alzheimer’s, according to study

An extract found in cinnamon bark, called CEppt, contains properties that can delay the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in the journal PloS One.

Route Map gives new priority to dementia research

Route Map provides the opportunity of a generation to not only transform the face of dementia research but also to transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of people with dementia.

Scientists find link between master gene and neurodegenerative disorders

An international team of scientists, funded in part by a European Research Council (ERC) grant under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), has discovered a master gene that controls both the lysosomes that break up the debris as well as the cellular compartments that encapsulate the material and fuse with lysosomes to completely dispose of the debris.

Implant could have benefits for long term memory problems

Scientists have created an electrical device that can record and play back signals in the brain of rats associated with memory according to a study published in the Journal of Neural Engineering.

Alzheimer Europe Newsletter

The Alzheimer Europe newsletter covering activities as well as interesting developments in the dementia field in May 2011

A call to action on the use of antipsychotic drugs for people with dementia

The Dementia Action Alliance has launched a call to action on the use of antipsychotic drugs for people with dementia.

European Commission allocates EUR 6 million to clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease

Within the context of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), the European Commission has awarded EUR 6 million to an international research consortium known as NILVAD. The aim of the consortium is to develop a new Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

New research works towards early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease

An international team of researchers has moved forward the development of diagnostic biomarkers for degenerative disorders such as Parkinson's.

New criteria and guidelines for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease published

Three expert international workgroups convened by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) have issued the first new criteria and guidelines to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in 27 years.

Changes in the brain could be detected decade before Alzheimer's symptoms are seen

Brain shrinkage could act as an indicator of Alzheimer’s disease around 10 years before symptoms begin to be seen according to a study published in Neurology.

Call for proposals launched to promote local initiatives to promote a better quality of life for people with dementia and carers launched

A group of foundations have launched the ‘Living well with Dementia in the Community Awards’ in order to improve perceptions of dementia and to stimulate solidarity at the local level. The aim of the Initiative is to contribute to a better quality of life for people with dementia and their carers.

Alzheimer's Society website shortlisted for best website in prestigious science communications awards

Alzheimer’s Society website has been nominated for an award at the prestigious Association of Medical Research Charities’ (AMRC) Science Communication Awards 2011.

European Parliament adopts Resolution on a European initiative to combat Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias

At its plenary sitting of 19 January 2011, the European Parliament adopted Marisa Matias’ motion for a resolution on a European initiative to combat Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegenerative disease.

Genetic research offers hope of improved treatment for Huntington's disease

Research led by the University of Leicester in the UK has raised hopes about possible new treatments for devastating neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease, for which there is currently no cure.

Il morbo di Alzheimer: una priorità sanitaria per l'Europa?

Le cure mediche e sociali per il morbo di Alzheimer costano all'Europa oltre 100 miliardi di euro. Il Parlamento sta esortando i governi UE a dichiarare la demenza una priorità sanitaria per l'Unione europea.

Call to act on Alzheimer’s disease

The EU should step up co-operation and support to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for patients with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, said Parliament on Wednesday.

Victory for people with Alzheimer's

People at all stages of Alzheimer’s will now be able to access drugs on the NHS that can slow the progression of the disease.

Europarl TV video: Facing memory loss

Several million Europeans suffer from Alzheimer's. Europarltv video explains that MEPs take a stand in favour of more research into the disease in the EU.

New approach detects Alzheimer’s disease markers in the blood

Scientists have used a new approach to detect Alzheimer’s disease in the blood according to research published in the journal Cell

Drinking green tea could help prevent dementia, says study

Researchers tested the effect of a component of green tea, CAGTE once it had been digested, to see how it affected a key protein in Alzheimer's disease.

High levels of ‘good’ cholesterol could lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, study claims

High levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or ‘good’ cholesterol, could lessen the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease in older adults, claims a study.

Scientists clarify nature of memory difficulties encountered in dementia

An international team of scientists has discovered that incomplete memories rather than memory loss is responsible for triggering mental confusion in patients with dementia.

Report on a European Initiative

European Parliamentary committee adopts report on a European Initiative on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Newsletter Salute-UE: Conferenza di alto livello sulla demenza (Bruxelles, 25 e 26 novembre 2010)

This edition of the Health-EU newsletter is dedicated to the high-level conference on dementia that will be held in Brussels on 25-26 November in the context of the Belgian Presidency of the EU.

European cost of illness of dementia

The aim of the study was to describe the economic impact of dementia in Europe in 2008. The researchers found the total cost of illness of dementia in the EU 27 in 2008 was estimated to be EUR 160 billion.

A united front against dementia

Forty five organisations from the charity, public and private sectors have come together to form the largest ever united front against dementia.

European cost of illness of dementia published

The findings from the socio-economic impact of dementia workgroup of Alzheimer Europe’s European Collaboration on Dementia (EuroCoDe) project have been published in the peer-reviewed journal, the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

Physical activity can prevent grey matter shrinkage

Walking more than six miles a week could reduce your risk of developing memory problems according to research published in the online issue of Neurology

Debating the success of Alzheimer’s research

An editorial in the journal Lancet today (Friday 27 August, 2010) debates the problems of drug development for Alzheimer’s disease.

Study highlights lifestyle factors that could reduce risk of dementia

Researchers in the UK and France are recommending that reducing depression and diabetes, increasing education and eating more fruit and vegetables may reduce the number of people developing dementia.

Early diagnosis for people with dementia can reduce costs

An early diagnosis of dementia followed by information and support reduces outpatient costs by almost 30 percent, claims new research presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease.

Technology for people living with dementia

Alzheimer Europe reports that at least 5.7 million Europeans, aged between 40 and 80, have Parkinson’s disease or dementia. European researchers are tackling the problem of how people with these diseases can keep their independence and quality of life longer, while safely living in their own homes.

Europa, una lotta comune contro l'Alzheimer

Sono oltre 7 milioni le persone colpite dal morbo di Alzheimer e malattie simili in Europa, e il numero è destinato a raddoppiare nei prossimi 20 anni se non si trovano forme di prevenzione e trattamento adeguato. La Commissione europea propone di mettere in comune le risorse sulla ricerca, per trovare soluzioni comuni a un problema comune a tutti i Paesi europei. Il Parlamento sta preparando un rapporto, curato dall'eurodeputato belga Philippe Lamberts, dei Verdi. Ecco le sue prime riflessioni.

Citizens' summary: European Initiative in the Field of Alzheimer's Disease and dementias

La Commissione accelera gli interventi sul morbo di Alzheimer e altre malattie neurodegenerative

Oggi la Commissione ha adottato proposte concrete per il morbo di Alzheimer e altre forme di demenza e malattie neurodegenerative. Questi problemi sanitari e sociali comuni a tutta l’Europa richiedono un coordinamento per garantire interventi efficaci di prevenzione, diagnosi, trattamento e cura per le persone che ne sono colpite. I paesi europei sono anche invitati a condividere le proprie risorse e a coordinare più efficacemente le attività di ricerca nel settore delle malattie neurodegenerative, in particolare nel caso del morbo di Alzheimer, programmando per la prima volta insieme gli investimenti nella ricerca invece di farlo individualmente. Oggi in Europa sono più di sette milioni le persone colpite dal morbo di Alzheimer e da altre patologie correlate e nei prossimi 20 anni si prevede che questo numero raddoppierà.

Commission proposal for a Council Recommendation on a pilot joint programming initiative to combat neurodegenerative diseases, in particular alzheimer's

Examples of EU-funded research on neurodegenerative diseases

This background note provides some examples of research on neurodegenerative diseases supported through the EU's Research Framework Programme.

Un piano d'azione UE sul morbo d'Alzheimer

Il morbo di Alzheimer interessa attualmente 6,1 milioni di europei. Il Parlamento chiede quindi di considerarlo come una priorità in fatto di salute pubblica europea e di definire un piano d'azione europeo. Questo dovrebbe promuovere la ricerca paneuropea sulle cause, la prevenzione e la cura del morbo, migliorare la diagnosi precoce, semplificare e migliorare la qualità di vita dei malati e di chi li assiste, e promuovere il ruolo delle associazioni accordando loro un sostegno regolare.