French President Takes on Global Dementia Challenge
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EmailHis Excellency Nicolas Sarkozy, president of the French Republic, addressed attendees of July's Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2011 (AAIC) in Paris, France. Through the French National Plan on Alzheimer's Disease, President Sarkozy has set a global precedent for governmental action to eradicate Alzheimer's.
Sarkozy's presence is a great honor for the Alzheimer's Association and is a reflection of the organization's global leadership in bringing the world together to advance Alzheimer's priorities.
Alzheimer's Association President and CEO Harry Johns introduced President Sarkozy to a crowd of more than 5,000 of the world's leading dementia researchers. Johns spoke of Sarkozy's deep commitment to advancing Alzheimer's research and alleviating the societal burden of the disease through the French National Plan on Alzheimer's.
"I want to thank and congratulate the president on his great leadership in the Alzheimer's movement and the creation of a plan that is a model for the rest of the world," Johns said.
As Sarkozy took the stage, appreciation for his efforts to advance Alzheimer's research, treatment and care was evident. The Alzheimer's scientific community rose to their feet and applause echoed throughout the room.
"I am delighted that France is hosting the Alzheimer's Association International Conference for the first time ever," Sarkozy said. "As you know, fighting Alzheimer's disease has been one of the top priorities for France since my election in 2007, and I am proud to welcome the world's leading researchers to Paris."
Sarkozy praised the scientists in the room for their dedication to advancing research and acknowledged the profound effect Alzheimer's has on people across the world.
"You embody world class scientists. You embody the hope of millions of patients with the disease," he said. "Alzheimer's is a terrible disease. It impairs a patient's identity. The things they remember, they way they perceive time, their ability to find bearings in space. The patients suffer, as do the people around them."
Sarkozy also described the great investment France has made in advancing Alzheimer's research and providing those affected with affordable treatment and care options. Through the French National Plan, the government has pledged €1.6 billion to Alzheimer's-related programs over a five-year period.
"We want to make sure no one with Alzheimer's disease gets left out, that no French family has to carry burden alone. We want to make sure no opportunity to advance research is overlooked," he said. "I personally meet the people rolling out this plan twice a year for a progress report. People in France can track progress on the internet."
The Alzheimer's Association would like to see many of the aspects of the French National Plan included in the United States National Alzheimer's Plan that is currently being constructed by the U.S. government. In January 2011, President Barack Obama signed the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) into law, requiring the creation of a national strategic plan to address the Alzheimer's crisis and to coordinate related efforts across the federal government and internationally.
Currently, the Alzheimer's Association is conducting Public Input Sessions across the country, collecting feedback from American families as to what they need in the National Alzheimer's Plan. Although many aspects of the French Plan can be emulated in the U.S. National Plan, it is only with the input of constituents that the U.S. Plan can truly reflect the unique needs, concerns and issues of the American people.
President Sarkozy continued his remarks by delving into the ethical issues surrounding the treatment of those with the disease.
"What can we do to support people with Alzheimer's? How are we helping their families? These are a few of the questions we have to ask," he said. "Whether we are policymakers, doctors, researchers or those leading associations. What is at stake here is how human and humane our society really is. How can it protect those who can no longer care for themselves?"
For Sarkozy, the answer rests partially in international collaboration similar to the kind displayed at AAIC.
"I hardly need to tell you that it is impossible to achieve anything noteworthy alone," he said. "Your discussions at this conference show that international cooperation is flourishing."
"I have seen your enthusiasm and I know international research has moved to a new phase. Let me assure you that international leaders share your dedication to the cause."
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