Survey Overview
A Europe-wide survey conducted by Eli Lilly and Company surveyed 400 neurologists across France, Italy, Spain and Germany to assess how primary care teams identify and refer patients with memory complaints. The results reveal a strong push from specialists for earlier action by primary care physicians (PCPs) to detect signs of cognitive decline and initiate timely referrals for Alzheimer’s evaluation. The study also highlights gaps in the referral process and lingering barriers that hinder early diagnosis.
Key Findings: Primary Care as a Gateway to Early Diagnosis
Among the standout findings, 83% of neurologists urged PCPs to act earlier when patients report memory concerns and to refer quickly for further assessment. In addition, 82% advocated for improvements within the referral pathway, while nearly 9 in 10 agreed that an early, accurate diagnosis can lead to markedly better care options for patients and families. A further 77% emphasized the need for clinicians to conduct more proactive memory-related questioning during routine visits.
Barriers in Primary Care and Perceived Gaps
Despite recognizing the primary care route as a critical route to diagnosis, more than half of the neurologists considered PCP knowledge on Alzheimer’s and dementia to be limited, with 54% perceiving a lack of urgency in recognizing the disease. The authors noted a perceived disconnect between the expectations of specialists and the realities of frontline practice, underscoring the need for better alignment and resources at the point of care.
Stigma and Symptom Minimization as Barriers
Stigma and the minimization of symptoms by patients and families were identified as major obstacles. An overwhelming 97% reported that patients often downplay or underestimate early signs during initial consultations. Additionally, 53% noted that stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia affects healthcare professionals’ willingness to pursue early diagnosis and treatment. These findings stress the urgent need to destigmatize the condition and encourage open dialogue about memory concerns in primary care settings.
Implications for Policy, Practice, and Access to Innovation
Dr. Stéphane Epelbaum, Lilly’s Associate Vice President for International Medical Affairs, emphasized that the data highlight a real opportunity to strengthen primary care’s role in transforming Alzheimer’s care. The survey also showed broad support for innovation: 83% agreed that pharmaceutical advances will significantly benefit patients and families, and 87% believed that integrating new diagnostic innovations into clinical practice would enable earlier diagnoses.
However, more than half of the respondents indicated that regulatory approval processes create a “gap” relative to countries with faster access to new therapies. While acknowledging the vital role of cautious regulatory oversight for patient safety, many neurologists see regulatory timing as another factor limiting timely diagnosis and treatment. They also cautioned that faster approvals alone would not be sufficient to improve patient outcomes without parallel improvements in screening, referral, and access to care.
Proposals for Early Detection and Screening
The survey points to concrete steps to close the gap: implementing early detection and screening programs, particularly leveraging biomarkers in blood. About 67% of respondents stressed the importance of systematic detection programs that can identify at-risk individuals sooner, enabling timely referrals and intervention. The combination of proactive primary care engagement, stigma reduction, and accelerated access to diagnostic tools and therapies could substantially alter the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease for patients in these countries.
What Comes Next
Experts say these findings should inform national and regional health policies, encouraging investment in primary care training, streamlined referral pathways, and the deployment of reliable blood-based biomarker tests. If implemented, such measures could shorten diagnostic delays and improve the overall quality of life for people living with memory concerns and their families.
