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. Today, more than 6 million Americans1 and more than 44 million people worldwide2 live with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias — and these numbers are growing rapidly.
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. Many people are experiencing the early, often unrecognized signs of mild cognitive impairment.
Our Approach
Driven by our commitment to patients and our strong business foundation, 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 in our pipeline, including Alzheimer’s disease.
The role of tau in Alzheimer’s disease- In a minute
Researchers have linked specific symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to where tau deposits occur in the brain. Biogen’s Head of Biomarkers, John Beaver, Ph.D., on how new technologies are allowing researchers to see tau inside the brain.
Stories
Alzheimer's Disease
Michael's Story – Living with Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease
One day at a time: Kamaria’s story
Alzheimer’s Disease
Dominic Walsh: Decoding the pathology of Alzheimer’s
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.
Stories
The Alzheimer’s Puzzle
Working to solve the Alzheimer’s disease problem means following the science, learning from those who came before us, listening to those living with the disease and understanding the impact of Alzheimer’s on society.
Resources for People Living With Alzheimer’s Disease
Deciding to participate in a clinical trial requires careful consideration. In most cases, the therapies investigated in clinical trials are not yet approved by regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. The benefits and risks of taking the treatment are not completely known. By volunteering for a clinical trial, you are helping the medical community determine whether new treatments are safe and effective.
Learn more about clinical trials
View all recruiting Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials
For additional questions, contact our Patient Center at patientcenter@biogen.com
Personal Biogen support service coordinators are now available to provide one-on-one support for patients and their families. Service coordinators can answer questions about Alzheimer’s disease and certain treatments, assess financial assistance options for eligible patients, and locate healthcare providers and infusion sites, among other topics. Biogen support service coordinators can be reached at 1-833-425-9360.
Biogen has signed agreements with the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), which is focused on addressing health disparities and access. NAFC has a large network of clinics across the country, with teams that will provide appropriate information and education about Alzheimer’s disease and support cognitive screening.
Biogen’s commitment to health equity is rooted in efforts focused on providing culturally competent resources and care, offering cognitive testing, engaging with community health centers and, when possible, mitigating out-of-pocket costs for patients and families.
Facts and Figures
60-80%
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60–80% of cases.1
1 in 3
1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.1
>80%
More than 80% of Americans know little or are not familiar with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can be an early stage of Alzheimer’s.1
- Alzheimer's Association, “2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures - Alzheimer's Association.” 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, Alzheimer's Association, 2022, https://alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures-infographic.pdf.
- Alzheimer’s News Today, “Alzheimer’s Disease Statistics.” Alzheimer’s Disease Statistics, Alzheimer’s News Today, 2022, https://alzheimersnewstoday.com/alzheimers-disease-statistics/