Alzheimer, Di Brino (Altems Advisory): '75% of people with dementia are out of treatment'

Rome, October 20. According to Eugenio Di Brino, co-founder and partner at Altems Advisory, 75% of individuals with dementia in Italy are not enrolled in structured care pathways. This was stated during an institutional event in Rome where the study "Alzheimer in Italia: sistemi regionali alla prova dell'innovazione diagnostico-terapeutica" was presented. The research compares nine regions and highlights disparities in healthcare delivery for cognitive disorders and dementia. Di Brino noted that while there is a formal convergence among regions, operational differences persist. He emphasized the need for a transition from fragmented public management to an integrated network model. However, despite alignment in plans and official documents, there is still much work needed in terms of standardization, data usage, and operational capacity. The study identified three key elements contributing to more integrated systems: structured organizational mechanisms and formalized patient pathways, strong integration between hospital and community services involving multiple healthcare professionals, and efficient information systems. These factors contribute to advanced patient management from diagnosis through follow-up. Another critical issue highlighted by Di Brino is the integration with general practitioners who serve as the first point of contact for early stages of the disease and act as intermediaries between patients and caregivers before accessing high-intensity hospital care. Early diagnosis efforts show mixed results tied to local initiatives, though regions generally perform at a medium level without extreme negatives or positives. Regarding advanced technologies, approximately 70% of centers provide internet access, which is a positive sign but leaves room for improvement, especially concerning genetic and specialized testing. Funding plays a crucial role in addressing these gaps. Resources allocated under the National Dementia Plan represent a significant acceleration factor, particularly with the Alzheimer's Fund, which has been reaffirmed and significantly refunded beyond double its previous capacity, estimated at around €33.4 million to distribute among regions. Additional resources from the PNRR are vital for managing data and ensuring interoperability of information systems, essential tools for measuring health needs and performance indicators. Di Brino stressed that having resources alone is insufficient if the organizational component does not keep pace. Regions exhibit varying levels of maturity toward an integrated model. Within a coherent framework, continuous performance measurement should be foundational, leveraging the national fund as an indispensable catalyst for change. In related developments, discussions focused on transforming medical research into accessible treatments for cancer patients. Over the past decade, mortality rates from cancer have decreased by 9% in Italy, with survival rates exceeding European averages. However, translating scientific advancements into equitable opportunities for all patients, regardless of location, remains a challenge. Experts from academia, institutions, industry, and patient associations gathered to address how to turn rapid research into timely, sustainable, and accessible responses for everyone. Key figures included Massimo Di Maio, president of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology, and Giuseppe Curigliano, president of the European Society of Medical Oncology, discussing progress and new frontiers in research. Emanuele Monti, representing Lombardy’s Regional Commission for Social Sustainability, and others explored the role of institutions in resource planning and ensuring equal access to care. Industry representatives such as Roberta Rondena and Marco Rago from Novartis discussed innovation and therapeutic solutions, while patient advocates like Adele Patrini shared perspectives on patient experiences. One central issue revolves around the gap between the approval of new therapies and their availability across different regions. Delays and regional differences risk creating unequal treatment opportunities. Addressing this requires strengthening healthcare networks, simplifying processes, and ensuring consistent standards of care. In another context, UCB Pharma emphasized the importance of transforming research into accessible treatments for rheumatic diseases and osteoporosis. During World Osteoporosis Day and World Arthritis Day, the company reiterated its commitment to innovative therapeutic solutions and improving healthcare quality. Chronic rheumatic conditions often involve inflammation and immune-mediated issues affecting mobility and social participation. Osteoporosis leads to skeletal fragility, increasing fracture risks. Timely recognition, uniform access to care, appropriate assistance pathways, and long-term support are essential goals. UCB Pharma supports initiatives that bridge the gap between research and practical application, highlighting the need for collaboration among specialists, primary care physicians, and socio-health services. The company backs events promoting dialogue on rheumatology advancements and challenges, focusing on early diagnosis, equitable access, continuity of care, and multidisciplinary approaches. Federico Chinni, CEO of UCB Italia, underscored the importance of making innovations accessible to those in need, emphasizing the necessity of timely diagnoses, patient accompaniment throughout illness phases, and overcoming access inequalities. Collaborations with patient associations and academic contributions, such as the Futuristic Manifesto for Rheumatic Diseases, aim to evolve care models further.