The emergence of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), blood-based biomarkers (BBMs) and digital solutions for early detection, is leading to a transformative era for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis and care. These breakthroughs bring renewed hope and a compelling opportunity to reshape the patient journey, making earlier, more accurate diagnoses and personalised care not only possible but increasingly accessible. Across Europe, dedicated professionals and pioneering institutions are driving forward innovation in clinical practice. While progress varies, this diversity offers a valuable opportunity to scale successful models and improve equity across the patient journey.

A new report published today, Future-proofing the Alzheimer's Disease Healthcare Journey, highlights effective, scalable solutions in AD detection, diagnosis and care across Europe. Produced by Shift Health with funding from the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) Alzheimer’s disease Platform, it examines emerging best practices in eight countries: Poland, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Czechia, and Slovenia.  

“By sharing real-world examples of how to translate scientific progress into better patient care, these case studies show what can be achieved,” said Nathalie Moll, EFPIA Director General. “When matched with investment in healthcare systems, innovation offers not only hope but a powerful opportunity to reimagine the patient journey, enabling earlier diagnosis and improved quality of life at scale.”

Learning from best practicesThe study identifies 26 initiatives with potential for scalability across Europe. They are broadly categorised into three intersecting thematic areas:

1. Tools for early detection and diagnosis: novel approaches are shortening diagnosis time, reducing costs, and facilitating earlier intervention. Below a concrete example:

• Mindmore®: a clinically validated digital platform from Sweden that converts conventional paper-based cognitive assessments into an intuitive digital format. By enabling more accessible and faster testing, it facilitates early detection and more efficient cognitive screening in primary care settings. It saves health systems €150 per test while increasing patient throughput by 119%. At the 21 clinics within Stockholm’s city borders alone, these improvements have translated into annual savings of at least €2 million.

2. Integrated and multidisciplinary care paradigms: stakeholders are adopting models of care that improve the quality, efficiency and personalisation of dementia care.

• PASSCOG, launched in France by The Aloïs Association, integrates trained GPs, supported remotely by cognitive tele-expertise, into the diagnostic pathway – shifting assessments from overcrowded hospitals to accessible local clinics. Among the first 1,060 participants, 28% of diagnostic pathways were initiated and led by GPs, reducing the average time from first consultation to confirmed diagnosis from nine months to just four. Nationwide rollout is planned for 2026.

3. Data-driven decision-making and system optimisation: registries, national data linkages and cross-border initiatives are improving how we are monitoring and planning, turning data into better diagnosis, more efficient systems, and more equitable care for people living with AD.

• The digiDEM Bayern registry follows over 1,500 dementia patients and supporters across Bavaria and collects long-term data on clinical outcomes, quality of life, supporter burden and service use via a digital platform. Its real-world data helps to identify gaps and improve care, while supporting planning and research.
  
  

Call to action

Drawing on insights from experts and advocates, the report sets out five priority actions which can accelerate progress in how Europe’s cares of people with Alzheimer’s disease:

1. Address stigma and empower primary care.
2. Incentivise and scale accessible, convenient, cost-effective diagnostic solutions.
3. Advance multidisciplinary care models.
4. Use data to drive policy and practice.
5. Enable trans-sector partnerships.

Read the full proposal in the report.

Background: rising to an urgent challenge 

Approximately 7.85 million people in the European Union (EU27) and 9.78 million in the broader European region are living with dementia, according to 2019 estimates. The majority (60-70%) of these people are those living with AD^[1]. Driven largely by demographic ageing, these figures are projected to almost double by 2050, reaching 14.3 million in the EU and 18.8 million in the broader European region^[2]. The economic impact is equally staggering: in 2019, the total societal cost of dementia in Europe was estimated at €392 billion^[3],[4].

The traditional model, which focused on late-stage symptom management, is giving way to a more proactive, person-centred and data-driven paradigm. Increasing emphasis is being placed on early and accurate diagnosis, enabled by tools such as cognitive testing and blood-based biomarkers (BBMs), alongside preventive interventions targeting modifiable risk factors and longitudinal monitoring. At the same time, care models are evolving towards greater personalisation and inclusivity—addressing not only clinical needs but also the psychological and social dimensions of AD.  

[1] Alzheimer Europe. Prevalence of dementia in Europe. https://www.alzheimer-europe.org/dementia/ prevalence-dementia-europe

[2] World Health Organization. Dementia: Fact sheets. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ dementia

[3] Jönsson. The personal economic burden of dementia in Europe. Lancet Regional Health – Europe, 2022.

[4] Jönsson et al. The Costs of Dementia in Europe: An Updated Review and Meta-analysis. Pharmacoeconomics, 2023.