HM The Queen's speech at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases and related neurological disorders

It is a pleasure to be here today to open this year’s International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases and related neurological disorders. These diseases constitute one of the greatest and most complex health challenges of our time.

I have experienced dementia diseases very close, many years ago my mother was affected. And two years ago, I lost my brother to Alzheimer’s.

Just like so many people, all over the world, I have come to learn how devastating a neurodegenerative disease is. I have seen what it does to those who suffer from it, and their loved ones. But let me assure you, that I have never, ever lost hope, that we will find a way to beat it.

Earlier this afternoon, at a symposium at Mölndal Hospital arranged by the University of Gothenburg, I know that some of you got an update by our Swedish researchers on the immense research progress that have been made for Alzheimer’s.

For example, you learned that today we know so much about risk factors for the disease, and that people can affect their risk by a program called the FINGER project. It is also fantastic that we will have new drugs, so called immunotherapy, that actually remove the amyloid plaques and thereby reduce the progression of the disease.

And to get these treatments available for the patients, we have blood tests that can be used in primary care to identify people at high risk for having Alzheimer’s. The results from such blood tests can guide the doctor on who can be admitted to the specialist for definite diagnosis, which is important to give the patients access to treatment.

Yet, there is still a lot to do. And this is why you are here today.

Ladies and gentlemen,

You are world-leading researchers in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related brain diseases. You are extremely talented young fellows, you are clinicians and specialists, you are philanthropists, you are people dedicated to various organizations and industry within the dementia cause. You are all here today, united by one common goal: to combat these diseases.

I am deeply touched by your commitment to this cause, and I want to thank you all for being here today.

It is my sincere hope that this week’s meeting will bring you inspiration and new opportunities to advance in your cause. I wish you all the best and look forward to following your important work in the future.

Thank you.