Alzheimer Europe (2022-2025)

ongoing

Dementia is the leading cause of disability and dependency in older adults. The cognitive and physical impairments caused by dementia should be recognised as a disability both under national law and international convention. This means that people with dementia should have legal protections and entitlements which ensure laws and policies are applied in line with disability and equality legislation, remove barriers and develop inclusive practices, establish financial and practical support and tackle prejudicial attitudes and stereotypes. However, people with dementia are not always having their disability rights upheld and the general public, organisations, governments and public bodies may not be aware of the rights of people with dementia deriving from the principles of the UNCRPD and national disability legislation. Alzheimer Europe will pursue the following key priorities thanks to its FPA activities: 1. Promote and defend the rights of people with dementia as full EU citizens and give them a voice in EU and national policies by involving the European Working Group of People with Dementia in all FPA activities 2. Promote the compliance of national dementia policies and strategies with UNCRPD and ESRPD principles by mapping and analysing national policies, identifying good practices and promoting dementia-inclusive policies and initiatives 3. Improve the capacity of its national member organisations to contribute to national and EU disability policies by organising capacity building webinars and workshops 4. Ensure that dementia is recognised as a leading cause of disability and dependency by actively contributing to EU policy making and supporting the implementation of the ESRPD and Social Semester process 5. Raise the awareness of the ESRPD by communicating EU policies and FPA results and achievements to its members and the general public 6. Ensure good governance by involving its Board and members in monitoring and evaluating FPA activities