The Spanish Confederation of Alzheimer and Other Dementias (CEAFA) has sent a letter to a dozen political formations in which it calls for them to include in their election programs specific measures to improve care for Alzheimer in the next legislative term. Among its demands are funding for new treatments, ensuring equitable access to early diagnosis, and setting up a state registry of dementias.
The proposals have been sent to Partido Popular, Partido Socialista Obrero Español, Vox, Frente Amplio, Junts per Catalunya, Esquerra Republicana, Partido Nacionalista Vasco, EH Bildu, Bloque Nacionalista Gallego and Podemos, in the context of the next general elections scheduled for 29 November.
CEAFA emphasizes that Alzheimer is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for up to 70 per cent of cases, and recalls that in Spain more than 1,200,000 people live with this condition. If the family members who act as caregivers are included, the impact extends to more than 5,000,000 people. It also highlights that Spain figures among the countries with the highest proportion of people with dementia among the population aged over 60.
Priorities for the next legislative term
In this scenario, the confederation has defined three priority lines of action aimed at responding to the needs of those who suffer from Alzheimer and their loved ones. First of all, it proposes to ensure public funding for innovative treatments already approved, so that access takes place under conditions of equity and no person who could benefit from these therapeutic advances is excluded.
Secondly, it calls for clear and agile early diagnosis pathways to be established throughout the entire territory, guaranteeing that any person with symptoms can be assessed early regardless of their place of residence, with specific attention to rural areas.
Lastly, it proposes the creation of a state registry of Alzheimer and other dementias that provides consistent and reliable information. This instrument would make it possible to know with greater precision the real scope of the disease, plan resources, anticipate the needs of patients and families, and optimize care.
Meetings with the parties and call for consensus
In the letter, CEAFA also requests maintaining a meeting with each party. To date, Junts per Catalunya, Vox, ERC and PNV have conveyed their interest and some of these formations have already agreed meetings with the confederation to delve into their proposals.
"We thank these parties for their willingness to listen to us and we hope that the rest of the formations join the dialogue. The programs are being defined now, and this is the moment for Alzheimer’s to be included in them with concrete measures," the director of CEAFA, Jesús Rodrigo, has highlighted.
The organization emphasizes that the upcoming general elections represent an "opportunity" to turn into tangible actions the commitment to public health and to the rights of the people affected that the parties have expressed. In its view, this step is key to moving toward more equitable care and to improving the quality of life of those who live with the disease.