MEPs set to draft written declaration aimed at improving the quality of life of people living with chronic degenerative brain diseases

The pledge to table a written declaration was unveiled by Austrian ALDE deputy Angelika Werthmann at an event in the European parliament on Tuesday July 9th and is expected to be drawn up after MEPs return from their summer break in September.

Werthmann, a vocal campaigner on issues surrounding neurodegenerative diseases, told participants that the increasing prevalence of people suffering from conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis highlighted the need for both national and EU policymakers to provide sufferers with "better opportunities within Europe".

Increasing awareness, workplace adaptations and early diagnosis can help lessen the impact of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as reducing healthcare costs, allowing people to, "remain as active as possible in the workplace", said Werthmann.

The three co-organisers of the event, the European multiple sclerosis platform, Alzheimer Europe and the European parkinson’s disease association outlined four key actions that they believe will help people remain employed:

  • raising awareness through education and training of employers and colleagues
  • adapting social legislation to offer better protection
  • work place adaptations – allowing people to work with their remaining competencies
  • early access to diagnosis and treatment that would allow people to remain professionally active for longer

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