FTD brothers who ran through Waterford bring dementia campaign to European Parliament

FTD brothers have brought their dementia campaign to Brussels following a hugely successful 33 marathons in 33 days challenge where they raised around €2 million for their foundation and The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and saw them take to the streets of Waterford.

Jordan and Cian Adams launched the campaign after the death of their mother who was suffering from frontotemporal dementia(FTD), a rare form of dementia that often develops at a younger age.

The brothers also carry the inherited genetic mutation linked to the disease.

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.

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.

This is especially vital as 1 in 3 people born today are expected to develop a form of dementia in their lifetime.

Speaking from Brussels, 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.