Vigenin: Europe must build a common strategy to fight dementia

06/12/2025
13:26

"Europe needs to build a common strategy to fight dementia. We have the knowledge and resources to make it a real political priority. This is what Bulgarian MEP from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament Kristian Vigenin said at a discussion in Brussels on the future of research and care for people with dementia. The event was organised by Alzheimer Europe.

“Dementia is far from just a medical challenge – it affects families, health systems, economies and the very social fabric of our societies”, the MEP stressed. He focused on Main the role of artificial intelligence, big data and leading European research programmes that are opening up new opportunities for early diagnosis, better understanding of disease and personalised care.

“The EU needs a long-term strategic framework that brings together the efforts of Member States, scientific networks and European funds. There is a need for more trust in the way data is collected and managed, as well as guarantees of equal access to innovation for patients,” he said.

Vigenin also focused on the challenges facing the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, where structural differences – from a shortage of staff and low digitalization to the lack of of national strategies – threaten patient equity. “Unless we act decisively, we risk creating a two-speed Europe in dementia care too,” warned he.

MEP stressed the importance of more consistent and predictable funding within the EU4Health and Horizon Europe programmes, as research and clinical trials require long-term sustainability rather than single calls for projects.