About the workshop
Brain diseases and what to do about them was discussed at a workshop on 23 April organised by the EP's Science and Technology Options Assessment (STOA) unit. The workshop was led by STOA chairman Antonio Correia de Campos, a Portuguese member of the S&D group.
The scope of the problem
The expected increase in brain diseases will also lead to higher costs. Out of the €798 billion spent on brain diseases in 2010, 37% accounted for direct health care costs, 23% for direct non-medical costs and 40% for indirect costs, according to an analysis by the European Brain Council. Indirect costs include disability support and lost earnings for people with brain disorders.
''The biggest problem that brain research faces is the cost. There is no brain disorder where we have an adequate cure," warned Dr Colin Blakemore, professor of neuroscience at the University of London. His opinion was shared by the other speakers at the workshop.
Possible solutions
Workshop participants called for more support for research and the creation of a strong European platform for both basic and clinical brain research. In addition healthcare strategies should be coordinated between member states in order to create an all encompassing European system.
Monica Di Luca, professor of pharmacology at the University of Milano, said: "Addressing these large costs for the European society requires intensified research and the creation of novel solutions."
