Brussels, 07/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 13 November, the European Institute for Health (EIH) will hold a symposium on “Long-term care: what challenges for Europe”. Debates will be concluded by Antonyia Parvanova, Bulgarian MEP of the ALDE Group. As the number of elderly people grows in the European Union, degenerative illnesses, such as Alzheimers disease, are also becoming much more frequent. This symposium will look at the ramifications of an ageing population for public health systems and the reforms that should be considered for healthcare systems. Some member states have already examined this new challenge but the EIH explains that this has been done in an isolated way and without being sufficiently informed about the most recent technological developments that are likely to keep the development of these age-related illnesses in check. The symposium seeks to highlight the different strategies and options open to member states in an effort to meet the challenge and prepare a better future for their elderly. (IL/transl.fl)