Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects 32 million people globally, with cases expected to exceed 106 million by 2050.

Characterised by cognitive decline and loss of independence, (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition, mainly with older-age onset. It is the primary contributor to dementia, which is the leading cause of morbidity in the elderly and the seventh largest cause of mortality globally. AD now accounts for 60-70% of dementia cases.

While age is the greatest risk factor for AD, modifiable lifestyle behaviours significantly influence AD development. Advances in early diagnosis and treatment targeting the disease's underlying causes are expected to improve morbidity and mortality outcomes. Current diagnostic methods like brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis are costly and invasive, limiting their use. However, newer blood-based biomarkers (liquid biopsies) offer a promising, less invasive alternative for early AD detection.

Current treatments for AD only focus on tackling symptoms without addressing the underlying cause. Recent developments in AD treatment have introduced anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies (mABs), some of which have received regulatory approval. These advancements present opportunities to slow cognitive decline and improve AD management, though they come with significant side effects. Ongoing research and clinical trials underscore the need for further evaluation to optimise the therapeutic impact and economic viability of these emerging drugs.

For Life and Health insurers, the disease course ambiguity can be a multifaceted problem. It can affect claims in mortality, critical illness and potentially medical reimbursement due to increased prescriptions of disease-modifying drugs.  The demand for long-term care insurance products for AD patients is rising. The risk remains high due to uncertainty given that current technologies cannot accurately predict the disease severity. While much of the drug research in AD is in an experimental phase, it presents significant strides in the right direction.

Our Trend Spotlight provides a more detailed look at the current state of AD, a disease that will have a dramatic impact on ageing societies.