Overview: A call to action for earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease
A Europe-wide survey conducted by Eli Lilly and Company surveyed 400 neurologists across France, Italy, Spain and Germany. The study highlights a strong consensus: primary care teams must act sooner to identify and refer patients with memory complaints, enabling earlier intervention for Alzheimer’s disease. The findings underscore a shared belief among specialists that proactive primary care engagement can dramatically alter the trajectory of care for people with memory concerns.
Key findings from the neurology community
Several striking figures emerge from the survey. Seventy percent plus of respondents emphasize the need for
(a) earlier recognition of memory problems in primary care, and (b) streamlined pathways to specialist assessment. In particular, 83% of neurologists want primary care physicians to raise the alarm sooner and refer patients for evaluation. Closely linked, 82% advocate for improvements in the referral process itself, while 77% stress the importance of more proactive memory inquiries during routine consultations.
The role of primary care and persisting knowledge gaps
Despite acknowledging the primacy of primary care as a critical entry point for diagnosis, more than half of the neurologists report that PCPs display only a limited understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, with 54% perceiving a lack of urgency in recognizing the illness. Authors of the survey note a gap between specialist expectations and frontline realities, suggesting that the ability to translate scientific advances into everyday practice is uneven across countries and settings.
Barriers to early detection
Stigma and disbelief surrounding memory symptoms emerge as major obstacles. An overwhelming 97% of neurologists say patients and families often minimize or downplay signs during early consultations. In addition, 53% report that stigma associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia deters healthcare professionals from pursuing prompt diagnoses and treatment options. These barriers can delay care, reduce opportunities for early intervention, and limit access to emerging therapies.
Opportunities for improvement and innovation
Many neurologists see a bright future for integrating scientific advances into routine care. A large majority (83%) agree that pharmaceutical innovations will meaningfully benefit patients and their families, and 87% anticipate that adopting new diagnostic techniques will lead to earlier diagnoses. However, more than half warn that regulatory and approval delays create a “gap” when compared with countries offering quicker access to new therapies. While regulatory caution remains vital for patient safety, respondents stress that it must be balanced with timely access to innovations that could improve outcomes.
Strategic recommendations for a faster, more proactive system
In addition to strengthening referral pathways and reducing stigma, neurologists advocate for two practical avenues: first, the adoption of early screening and opportunistic memory assessments, including the use of blood-based biomarkers to support earlier detection; second, the timely and equitable integration of new diagnostics and therapies into clinical practice. About 67% of respondents specifically call for enhanced programs for early detection and screening, with a focus on biomarkers that can be feasibly deployed in primary care settings.
Conclusion: Turning insight into action
These findings underscore a pressing need to empower primary care teams with the tools, training, and incentives to identify memory concerns early and to navigate patients toward appropriate evaluation. By reducing stigma, improving referral processes, and embracing validated biomarkers and innovative diagnostics, healthcare systems can move closer to the goal of early Alzheimer’s detection and better patient outcomes. As the debate on regulatory pathways continues, the consensus remains: early action in primary care is essential to transform the care of individuals facing memory decline.
