Eli Lilly and leading Alzheimer’s disease experts have called for urgent investment in diagnostic infrastructure across Europe, following new findings presented at the Alzheimer Europe Conference in Belgium.
The data, drawn from the Adelphi Real World Dementia Disease Specific Programme™, highlights widespread underdiagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with fewer than one in five patients receiving biomarker testing to confirm pathology. Despite over 70% of clinicians rating these tests as important or extremely important, they remain underused in practice.
Professor Lutz Frölich, Head of Geriatric Psychiatry at the Central Institute of Mental Health, explained: “We find ourselves at a critical moment, where the decisions made now will shape the future of AD care in Europe.
Science has equipped us with the solutions to manage AD more effectively in its early stages, potentially reducing the disease burden. But this will only be possible if we can streamline diagnosis and make access to care timely and equitable for everyone affected by this progressive disease.”
The survey also revealed delays in specialist referrals, with median diagnosis times doubling to five months when patients are referred from primary care. In Spain and France, patients waited up to seven months. Stigma and lack of awareness were also cited as major barriers to early help-seeking.
Jean Georges, Executive Director of Alzheimer Europe, said: “These findings paint a deeply concerning picture of AD diagnosis across Europe and are sadly reflective of the experiences of many patients and families we support, who are often left too long without answers.”
Dr Stéphane Epelbaum, Associate Vice President at Eli Lilly, added: “Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure patients can access the next generation of Alzheimer’s disease care.”
