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

Urgent Call to Action: Improving Alzheimer's Diagnosis in Europe

At the recent Alzheimer Europe Conference held in Brussels, Eli Lilly and a panel of leading Alzheimer's disease (AD) specialists put forward a pressing call for immediate reforms in diagnostic procedures. The primary goal is to ensure that individuals across Europe have access to innovative therapeutic solutions without delay.

According to findings from the Adelphi Real World Dementia Disease Specific Programme™ (Adelphi DSP), a comprehensive survey encompassing various clinicians working with patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease, it was highlighted that a significant portion of Alzheimer's cases remain underdiagnosed, subsequently denying patients the opportunity for critical treatment options.

The State of Alzheimer's Diagnosis

The current statistics are concerning: approximately 6.9 million people are diagnosed with Alzheimer's in Europe, and this number is projected to nearly double by 2050 due to the aging population. Alarmingly, while over 70% of healthcare professionals acknowledge the significance of biomarker testing in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, less than one in five patients actually receive such tests.

Prominent speakers at the conference, including Professor Lutz Frölich, emphasized that the urgency of this issue is critical. He stated, “We are at a pivotal moment where decisions made today will shape the future of Alzheimer’s care in Europe. Advances in science have provided effective solutions for managing Alzheimer’s disease in its initial stages, but this is only feasible if we streamline diagnostics and ensure equal access to care.”

Identified Barriers to Timely Diagnosis

The Adelphi DSP survey pinpointed several key barriers hindering the timely diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease:

1. Limited Access to Biomarker Testing

Biomarker tests are essential for early and accurate detection of Alzheimer’s by identifying abnormal changes in the brain. Despite being deemed crucial by healthcare professionals, they remain underutilized. In fact, only 15.2% of patients in the surveyed countries underwent testing to confirm Alzheimer's pathology. Notably, Germany and the UK exhibit the lowest rates of patients receiving these critical tests.

2. Delays in Referral to Specialists

The survey also revealed alarming delays in patient referrals to specialists. When patients are referred by primary care physicians (PCPs), the median time to receive a diagnosis stretches to five months, with Spain and France reporting the longest waits, averaging six to seven months. Early consultation with PCPs significantly reduces diagnostic delays, accentuating their vital role in identifying and managing Alzheimer's-related cognitive impairments.

3. Stigma and Awareness Issues

Stigmatization remains a major obstacle, with 61% of specialists citing it as the leading reason for delayed assistance. Many patients hesitate to seek help due to misconceptions about aging and cognitive disorders, not recognizing early symptoms such as short-term memory loss and trouble concentrating. This lack of awareness not only affects their readiness to consult healthcare providers but also underscores the critical need for public education on Alzheimer's symptoms and the importance of early detection.

Jean Georges, Executive Director of Alzheimer Europe, expressed deep concern regarding these findings, remarking that many patients and families experience undue waits for diagnosis. A previous survey conducted by Alzheimer Europe found that it takes an average of 2.1 years from the first symptoms for a diagnosis to be made, and 53% of caregivers felt diagnoses were given too late. He urged for urgent political prioritization of Alzheimer’s, increased public awareness, medical training, and improved access to innovative testing methods.

Looking Ahead

Emerging therapies targeting the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease provide hope for slowing its progression and delaying the need for care services. However, this is contingent upon early detection, as nearly one-third of individuals with initial symptomatic stages progress to clinically advanced stages within a year. Dr. Stéphane Epelbaum from Eli Lilly reinforced the notion that “Rapid and precise diagnosis is key to enabling patients to access the next generation of Alzheimer’s care.”

Lilly has led research in Alzheimer’s for over 35 years and is committed to establishing the necessary infrastructure to reshape and enhance care pathways. Our mission remains clear: empower individuals to live better, on their own terms.

As the challenges in Alzheimer’s diagnostics become more pronounced, the push for change is louder. The future of Alzheimer's care hangs in the balance, and swift action is paramount for the millions affected by this progressive disease.