A new global platform launched by Alzheimer’s Disease International tracks how countries diagnose, treat, and support dementia patients, revealing that only 24.2 percent of participating nations maintain a fully funded national dementia plan. Supported by Eli Lilly and Company, the Alzheimer’s Disease Atlas—known as the AD Atlas—brings together critical health system indicators to expose major global disparities in dementia preparedness as patient numbers continue to rise.
Global Disparities in Dementia Diagnosis and Care
The newly established AD Atlas highlights that approximately 75 percent of people living with dementia globally do not have a formal diagnosis. According to data released with the platform, diagnostic rates remain low despite survey evidence showing that more than 90 percent of caregivers and members of the general public would seek a diagnosis if a disease-modifying treatment became available. Chris Lynch, Acting CEO of Alzheimer’s Disease International, stated that the platform provides a single place for leaders to compare how nations respond to the condition, helping to identify both progress and persistent gaps in care.
Economic strength does not automatically guarantee readiness, according to the platform’s findings. Even several of the world’s wealthiest nations are failing to prepare for a projected doubling of dementia cases over the next two decades. Stéphane Epelbaum, Vice President, International Medical Affairs, at Eli Lilly, noted that scientific advances only make a difference if health systems are prepared to deliver timely diagnoses and equitable access to care.
Regional Preparedness and Policy Gaps
The AD Atlas details stark regional differences in how healthcare systems handle neurodegenerative conditions:
- Europe: Germany operates under a funded dementia strategy focused on four pillars: inclusive communities, structured caregiver support, coordinated long-term care, and collaborative research networks. However, access to innovative diagnostics remains uneven across the continent.
- Middle East: Qatar is emerging as a regional leader in dementia preparedness through long-term planning and investment designed to support an aging population.
- Latin America: In Brazil, an estimated 80 percent of people living with Alzheimer’s go undetected due to primary care gaps and a lack of diagnostic tools. Furthermore, families bear over 70 percent of dementia-related costs despite the introduction of a national dementia policy in 2024.
- Asia-Pacific: Japan reports one of the highest dementia prevalence rates in the Atlas and has advanced its response through successive National Dementia Plans, while South Korea has also established itself as a regional leader through heavy investment in support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AD Atlas?
The AD Atlas is a first-of-its-kind digital platform created by Alzheimer’s Disease International to track how countries diagnose, treat, and support people living with dementia and related disorders.
Why do most people with dementia lack a diagnosis?
Data from the platform indicates that roughly 75 percent of individuals living with dementia go undiagnosed, driven by systemic gaps in primary care, a lack of diagnostic tools, and barriers within health systems globally.
How many countries have a funded national dementia plan?
According to the AD Atlas findings, only 24.2 percent of included countries have established a fully funded national dementia plan to prepare for the rising prevalence of the disease.