Clinical trials are essential for the development of new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat dementia. A range of clinical trials is being conducted at a European and international level in the field of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in particular. However, these clinical trials face significant challenges surrounding accessibility and availability. To address this, we call for stronger efforts to broaden participation, remove barriers that prevent patients from being diagnosed and accessing innovative treatments, alongside increased investment and streamlined regulatory frameworks.
The current landscape
The landscape of dementia clinical trials in Europe is focused on AD, the most common form of dementia. According to data from clinical trials registries, Europe has approximately 50 active AD clinical trials investigating various aspects of AD treatment, spanning all phases of drug development. The focus on these trials spans a variety of mechanism of action, with an emphasis on disease-modifying treatments that aim to alter the underlying pathophysiology of AD. The majority of clinical trials focus on people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia due to AD, often referred to as early AD (Figure 1). However, phase 3 trials also address important aspects of AD management, including the treatment of agitation and psychosis associated with AD. These trials aim to not only alter the disease course but also improve the overall quality of life for people at various stages of AD.
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