Patricia Paukovits, Medical Affairs Advisor, Neurology at Eli Lilly, discusses the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry and explores ways to enhance the clinical development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research in Europe.

We understand the burden that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) places on individuals, caregivers and societies, and have dedicated more than 30 years to advancing the science of this devastating disease. We continue to encourage the recognition of initial cognitive changes caused by AD and the need to arm clinicians with resources to support early and accurate diagnosis, and for policymakers to provide investment in services and access to new therapeutics that strike at the potential causes of disease.

To help tackle the rising burden of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia services should be structured to keep people in better health for as long as possible. Lilly is calling on clinicians, payers and policymakers to place greater emphasis on practices and programs that can increase awareness and understanding of AD, support timely action when cognitive changes are first noticed and recognize the importance of an accurate diagnosis in early symptomatic AD.