Disease Areas

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive neurological illness that impairs thinking and the independence of millions of people worldwide.1 Today more than 55 million people have dementia worldwide, with 60-70% of cases being Alzheimer’s disease.2

Alzheimer’s disease is usually diagnosed in people 65 years and older, but it starts earlier, with subtle neurological changes occurring years or even decades before symptoms appear.1 Many Alzheimer's disease patients experience early often unrecognisable signs of mild cognitive impairment.3

Our Approach

Driven by our commitment to patients and our strong foundation in Neuroscience, Biogen remains dedicated to furthering Alzheimer’s disease research and treatment, aiming to help address the unmet needs in this devastating condition, with an emphasis on early-stage disease.

Innovative Research

We understand how incredibly challenging it is to treat this complex condition, which is why we will never stop innovating for patients, families and providers in the Alzheimer’s community. We are currently conducting clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of investigational therapies safety and efficacy of investigational therapies, including innovative treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

As they get older, many people may notice changes in memory and thinking abilities. At first, these changes may be so subtle that they’re easy to explain as normal aging — and they may be. However, it’s also possible that they’re the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Facts and Figures

60-70%

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60–70% of cases.2

10m

Currently more than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year.2

~75%

Approximately 75% of people with dementia are not diagnosed globally, with that rate believed to rise as high as 90% in some lower- and middle-income countries.4

References
  1. Johns Hopkins University, “Alzheimer’s Disease.” Alzheimer’s Disease, Johns Hopkins University. Accessed 19th June 2023, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/alzheimers-disease. 
  2. World Health Organisation, “Dementia.” Fact Sheet Dementia, World Health Organisation, Accessed 19th June 2023, 
    https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
  3. Alzheimer’s Association, “Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).” Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Association, Accessed 19th June 2023, https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related_conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment.
  4. Alzheimer’s Disease International, “World Alzheimer’s Report 2022.” World Alzheimer’s Report 2022, Accessed 19th June 2023, https://www.alzint.org/resource/world-alzheimer-report-2022/