Alzheimer’s disease testing

Alzheimer’s is a progressive, fatal brain disease that gradually destroys memory, thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities. It impairs daily functioning, making it challenging for patients, their loved ones, and caregivers. Over 55 million people globally are living with dementia, with 10 million more diagnosed each year. As populations age, the impact of Alzheimer’s is expected to intensify, with prevalence projected to be over 150 million people globally by 2050.⁵

Furthermore, as much as two-thirds of patients with dementia remain undiagnosed, with some patients waiting up to 32 months for a formal diagnosis.^6-10 It is estimated that up to 35% of AD cases could be prevented or delayed by modifying risk factors.⁹ Early and accurate diagnosis allows patients and their caregivers to begin health measures to preserve their quality of life for longer and plan for the future.¹⁰

Alzheimer’s also poses a significant economic burden to healthcare systems. In 2020, the global annual cost of AD was estimated to be more than USD $800 billion.¹¹ In the US alone, the annual cost to healthcare systems is estimated to triple over the next decades, reaching $1.1 trillion by 2050.¹² Early Alzheimer’s diagnosis helps save money on medical and care costs.¹³

Alzheimer’s disease is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms often resemble those of regular aging. Biological changes are believed to start decades before clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease become evident.^14,15 At Roche Diagnostics, we focus on solutions that accelerate the detection of neurodegenerative diseases.

Before the development of diagnostic technology, Alzheimer’s disease could only be diagnosed post-mortem. Now, biomarker testing is recommended for diagnosis due to its accuracy, providing physicians with confidence.¹⁶ Historically, certain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers have been measured through manual enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) techniques, which produce less precise and reliable results, as well as much longer turnaround times. Roche has developed automated platforms for the routine implementation of CSF biomarkers for improved precision and reduced turnaround times.^17,18

With the scientific knowledge, scale, and power to develop standardized solutions, we aim to provide global solutions for Alzheimer’s testing to help clinicians navigate the complex area of neurology and give patients the answers they desperately need.

The use of CSF biomarkers may improve accessibility by offering a more affordable alternative to amyloid-PET scans.²¹ Roche Elecsys® Alzheimer’s assays are available on all cobas® instruments, with the ability to analyze multiple biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease from a single sample, saving time and resources. 

Improved access supports clinicians in making informed and timely treatment decisions, so the people who need it most get the treatment they need.

Roche is in rigorous pursuit of scientific advancements to unlock our understanding of neurological disorders and help transform and enhance patient quality of life.

Our efforts focus on driving disease awareness, so people recognize the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and understand the importance of getting tested, thereby enabling patients and their families to make informed decisions about care.

By creating global solutions, Roche is helping to make Alzheimer’s disease more accessible. Together, we drive better public health outcomes, become better prepared for rapid responsiveness with improved healthcare infrastructure, and help in the global fight against neurodegenerative disorders.