Dementia advocates from Mayo take campaign to European Parliament
Roberta Metsola, EP President meets with Nina Carberry and Jordan and Cian Adams, FTD Brothers
From a Mayo marathon to the European Parliament - Jordan and Cian Adams brought their campaign to Brussels this week, where MEP Nina Carberry hosted the FTD Brothers for a series of high-level meetings with EU decision-makers.
The dementia campaigners took on an extraordinary challenge, completing 33 marathons in 33 days. Hundreds of supporters turned out to cheer them on in Castlebar on 9th May.
The brothers raised around €2 million during their Irish challenge for their foundation and The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
During their recent visit to Brussels, they met European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, several EU Commissioners and Irish MEPs to share their story and press for political action.
Their mother, Geraldine, died at just 52 from frontotemporal dementia, a rare form of dementia that often develops at a younger age. Both Jordan and Cian carry the inherited genetic mutation linked to the disease.
MEP Carberry, who has worked closely with Jordan and Cian since their challenge across Ireland, is calling on the EU to develop a dedicated Brain Health Action Plan and increase research funding for dementia.
The need for action is urgent, with 1 in 3 people born today expected to develop dementia in their lifetime.
Speaking from Brussels, MEP Nina Carberry said:
“Jordan and Cian have moved so many people across Ireland with their story, and I felt it was right to bring their journey to the heart of European decision-making.
“They are doing incredible work to secure Ireland’s participation in an international research programme focused on young-onset dementia and families affected by FTD.
“At European level, they are supporting my call for an EU Brain Health Action Plan covering research, earlier diagnosis, care, specialist networks and clinical trials”, she added.
The EU invested approximately €570 million through Horizon 2020 in dementia and Alzheimer’s related research. Carberry said she wants to see this investment increase further, particularly given the proposal to double the overall EU research budget for the 2028–34 period.
