#Brussels #Belgium #Alzheimer's Disease #Eli Lilly #diagnostic pathways

Urgent Call for Diagnostic Improvements in Alzheimer's Disease

Eli Lilly and prominent experts in Alzheimer's disease (AD) came together at the Alzheimer Europe Conference to express an immediate need for enhancements in diagnostic processes. This assembly underscored a worrying trend; many individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease remain undiagnosed, which deprives them of necessary treatments and support.

Real-World Evidence Highlights Major Barriers

The insights garnered from the Adelphi Real World Dementia Disease Specific Programme™ reveal significant obstacles faced by healthcare professionals in diagnosing AD. With over 6.9 million individuals currently affected in Europe—a figure projected to nearly double by 2050—effective diagnostic measures are critical.

Most clinicians recognize the importance of advanced biomarker testing in diagnosing AD, yet fewer than 20% of patients actually receive such tests. This stark statistic was highlighted by the survey conducted across multiple countries including France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, where delays in diagnosis often exceed several months. In some cases, diagnosis is deferred to approximately five months, exacerbated by lengthy referral processes from general practitioners to specialists.

The findings from this multinational survey indicate that a widespread lack of awareness, alongside the stigma surrounding cognitive impairments, is limiting early intervention. Around 61% of specialists acknowledged that public stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s acts as a significant barrier in facilitating early diagnosis. Many potential patients delay seeking help due to a misunderstanding of their cognitive changes, which can help identify early manifestations of the disease.

The Importance of Timely Intervention

Professor Lutz Frölich, from the University of Heidelberg, emphasized this critical moment in Alzheimer’s healthcare. He noted, "We possess the scientific tools necessary to manage Alzheimer’s effectively in its early stages, but this hinges on the efficiency of diagnostic channels and equitable access to care."

The implications of this delay are substantial, leading to deteriorating quality of life and potentially advancing stages of the disease before treatment can begin. Dr. Stéphane Epelbaum poignantly remarked that timely and accurate diagnosis is essential if patients are to benefit from emerging therapies designed to manage and slow disease progression.

Call to Action and Future Directions

The conference concluded with a clarion call for healthcare reform aimed at improving diagnostic accessibility. This includes better integration of biomarker testing into clinical settings and enhancing the training of primary care physicians to identify and manage cases of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s dementia more effectively.

Experts are advocating for governments and health organizations to prioritize Alzheimer’s disease as part of public health policy. Increased funding, alongside initiatives to raise awareness and combat stigma, is essential for facilitating timely diagnoses and subsequent treatments. Jean Georges, Executive Director of Alzheimer Europe, echoed these sentiments, urging immediate action to ensure that those affected by Alzheimer’s receive necessary support without delay.

Conclusion

Eli Lilly’s commitment to Alzheimer’s research spans over 35 years, focusing on innovation in treatment. As the understanding of this complex disease evolves, it becomes paramount to build efficient and accessible diagnostic frameworks that empower individuals living with Alzheimer's healthily and independently. The collaborative effort between pharmaceutical companies, healthcare professionals, and policymakers is vital for creating a future where Alzheimer’s disease can be diagnosed swiftly and treated effectively, ultimately improving the lives of millions across Europe and beyond.

References

1. Vasileva-Metodiev et al. (2025). Diagnostic journey and management of patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease dementia. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
2. Frisoni et al. (2025). Alzheimer's disease outlook controversies and future directions. The Lancet.
3. Gustavsson et al. (2023). Global estimates on the number of persons across the Alzheimer's disease continuum. Alzheimer's Dementia.
4. Alzheimer Europe. Prevalence of dementia in Europe. (2025).