Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI)
News, blogs and stories from across the field of dementia, the work of Alzheimer’s Disease International and our members.
The 78th World Health Assembly has been a whirlwind week for ADI as, after 18-months of advocacy, the World Health Assembly has agreed to extend the Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia by 6-years, to 2031.
Lecanemab is the first therapy of its kind approved in the EU that could potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The use of lecanemab will now be considered by national payers, who will assess the treatment against further nationally determined criteria.
ADI is increasingly concerned by global cuts to international development funding and research, and its potential impact on dementia services and research. These cuts risk impacting the provision of vital services and critical research efforts into Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, impacting the estimated 55 million people living with dementia globally, a number which is forecast to rise to 139 million in the next 25 years.
ADI attended the World Health Organization’s 156th Executive Board, advocating for an extension to the expiring Global Action Plan on the public health response to dementia, as well as pushing for better inclusion of dementia in from Non-communicable disease policies, and the need for greater provisions for those living with dementia and carers in humanitarian situations.
ADI, in collaboration with academics from the London School of Economics, published a commentary in Nature Reviews Neurology urging governments to include dementia in NCD policies and frameworks. This paper reveals striking data, including dementia becoming the 3rd leading cause of death globally by 2040 and among the top 10 causes of death in 166 countries.
On 10 December, ADI launched its inaugural End of Year Forecast, focusing on ‘Translating the Alzheimer's Treatment Revolution into Real World Solutions’. This event sought to highlight the new era for Alzheimer’s treatments and cut through the often confusing and cryptic information that is available to the general public. ADI is pleased to share the slide featured in this event. Make sure to scroll down the page to see all 127 Alzheimer’s treatments and their place in the pipeline.
ADI is sharing a round-up of the recent activities in the Americas region during this year’s World Alzheimer’s Month. Our member associations in the Americas have showcased their collective strength in the region while making strides in both their dementia awareness-raising efforts as well as their support for those who have been impacted by dementia and their carers.
ADI is sharing a snapshot of the Asia Pacific region’s activities during World Alzheimer’s Month this year. From memory walks, to dementia screenings, to concerts, ADI has been delighted to see such a broad variety of activities dedicated to raising awareness of dementia in the region. With opening words from ADI’s Regional Director for Asia Pacific, we are reporting the multiple actions and efforts that have been taken across the region.
As the World Alzheimer’s Month 2024 campaign draws to close, ADI is proud to report on this year’s achievements from our global community as we united to focus on the urgent message: "Time to act on dementia." With over 81 million global impressions and 4,000 mentions in the media, the campaign brought together dementia associations, advocates, professionals, and carers to raise awareness and reduce stigma to hold events worldwide, including memory walks, exhibitions, presentations, and illuminated landmarks that highlighted the importance of addressing dementia stigma. To all that have taken part, we would like to say thank you for another World Alzheimer’s Month filled with global action.
The UK medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the marketing authorisation for lecanemab in the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease. However, the treatment will not be available through the National Health Service (NHS), the UK’s publicly funded health agency.