In our weekly Trends that Matter series, we provide engaging infographics from healthcare influencers to highlight general trends affecting the pharmaceutical industry. This week's featured topic is the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and accounts for approximately 60-80% of dimentia cases, according to a 2016 report by the Alzheimer's Association (ALZ). However, Alzheimer's disease often goes undiagnosed by medical professionals. Clinicians can typically identify dementia but have more difficulty determining the cause. 

According to the ALZ:

"No single, simple test exists to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, one’s physician, often with the help of a neurologist, will use a variety of approaches and tools to help make a diagnosis."

In the graphic below, the Alzheimer's Association outlines recent trends associated with the disease and medical costs:

For years, pharmaceutical companies have been competing to research and develop drugs that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

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