Research into new dementia drugs is on the verge of a significant breakthrough, but progress could be stalled by a critical shortage of clinical trial participants, a report from Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) warns. For the first time, the pipeline of innovative diagnostic tests and treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias is rapidly expanding, yet this advancement is at risk of halting.
The UK-based federation of 105 global Alzheimer's charities revealed that over 158 potential drugs are currently being evaluated in more than 192 trials worldwide. These trials require an estimated 55,000 participants. However, stringent screening criteria exclude many willing volunteers, meaning approximately 350,000 people must come forward to meet recruitment needs.
The situation is particularly acute in the UK, where only 551 people are currently enrolled in dementia trials, compared to around 24,000 in cancer trials, according to information shared at the Alzheimer's Society annual conference.
"We are on the cusp of a revolution in dementia diagnostics and treatments, but major barriers to recruiting trial participants risk slowing progress," said Chris Lynch, acting chief executive of ADI. He highlighted that after decades of frustration, clinical trials have now demonstrated that new treatments can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, offering real hope.
The ADI report, titled 'A new era in dementia clinical trials,' outlines several barriers to participation. These include delayed diagnosis, limited access to specialist testing, travel costs, language barriers, and the requirement for a care partner to be present. These challenges are compounded when attempting to recruit individuals in the pre-symptomatic or at-risk stages of dementia. Additionally, a person's medical or treatment history can make them ineligible for a trial even if they are interested.
Professor Craig Ritchie, chief executive of Scottish Brain Sciences and a researcher involved in the report, described the pace of progress as a pivotal moment for brain health research. "For the first time, there is a growing pipeline of treatments and tests that have the potential to detect and then delay, slow, and perhaps even prevent Alzheimer's disease," he stated. "The opportunity before us is extraordinary. Advances that once felt distant are now becoming reality, bringing hope to millions of people and families affected by a range of neurodegenerative diseases."
Michelle Dyson, chief executive of Alzheimer's Society, noted that many people are eager to participate in research but are diagnosed too late or face practical barriers. To address this, the Alzheimer's Society and the UK Dementia Trials Network have established a team of Dementia Research Nurses to help more individuals, including those from under-represented diverse backgrounds, access clinical trials.
New classes of dementia drugs that have shown promise in reversing the underlying causes of the disease and extending quality of life are more effective when administered early, underscoring the importance of prompt diagnosis. While some of these drugs have recently been approved for use in the UK, they are not yet available on the NHS.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care stated the UK aims to be a world leader in dementia research and is increasing clinical trial participation goals to 2,000 people over the next five years. The department is committed to making trials accessible across the country and supporting studies to better understand neurodegenerative diseases.