Alzheimer Europe is a non-profit non-governmental organisation (NGO) formed in 1996 and based in Luxembourg. It operates a common European platform through co-operation among 39 members in 35 countries (January 2021), which are all active Alzheimer’s/dementia organisations in the WHO European region.
It aims to provide a voice to people with dementia and their carers; to ensure dementia is a European and national policy priority; to promote a rights-based approach to dementia; to support dementia research; and to strengthen the European dementia movement.
Alzheimer Europe and its member associations launched the European Working Group of People with Dementia (EWGPWD) in 2012, to ensure that the work of the organisation duly reflect the priorities and views of people living with dementia. The group is composed entirely of people with dementia who are nominated by their national Alzheimer associations. The EWGPWD operates independently, with members electing their own Board, setting an agenda of activities, and actively participating in Alzheimer Europe’s Annual Conferences. In addition, they contribute to consultations for different European projects in which Alzheimer Europe is involved, and to the organisation’s various publications (Yearbooks providing country comparisons in relation to dementia, annual reports on ethical issues linked to dementia, triannual Dementia in Europe policy magazine, monthly newsletter…).
The Alzheimer Europe Board of Directors is comprised of four office bearers (Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer), and up to seven further members directly elected by a General Meeting. The Chairperson of the EWGPWD is an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors with full voting rights.
Alzheimer Europe promotes dementia awareness, care and research within the EU institutions and lobbies, together with its members, for national dementia strategies to be put in place in all European countries. This effort to promote dementia as a public health priority at both the European and national levels is supported by the European Alzheimer’s Alliance (EAA), which is a non-exclusive, multinational and cross-party group of 95 MEPs (January 2021).
Save the date!
35th Alzheimer Europe Conference – “Connecting science and communities: The future of dementia care”
6-8 October 2025 – Bologna, Italy
