Maria da Graça Carvalho met in the European Parliament with representatives of the European Parkinson's Disease Association (EPDA).
During the meeting they informed Ms Carvalho about the launching in november at the European Parliament, the European Consensus Statement on Parkinson's Standards of Care to MEPs. EPDA will also inform about the EC's reflection paper on Chronic Diseases & the Year for Active Ageing 2012.
Parkinson's is a chronic neurodegenerative disease with no cure, which affects all aspects of daily living. It is the most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's and the incidence is forecast to double by 2050, primarily as a result of the ageing population. Parkinson's affects 1 in 100 people over the age of 60.
EPDA is the only European umbrella organisation for Parkinson's disease representing 45 member organisations. It is the advocate for the rights and needs of over 1.2 million people with Parkinson's and their families and carers. The EPDA helps to support these Europeans with the ultimate aim of enabling them to live a full life while at the same supporting the search for a cure for this debilitating disease by raising awareness and reducing inequalities in the treatment and management of Parkinson's across Europe.