Altems urges uniform Alzheimer care to bridge regional disparities in Italy

Efforts to address systemic shortcomings in dementia treatment across Italy have brought regional inequalities into sharp focus, with experts and policymakers pushing for standardized care pathways and consistent diagnostic availability. The policy paper Alzheimer's, Altems analysis: "Ensuring consistent diagnosis ... examines regional health systems to understand how preparedness, governance, and organizational readiness vary nationwide.

The public health challenge was discussed in the Matteotti Hall of the Chamber of Deputies. The initiative was promoted by the Parliamentary Intergroup for Neurosciences and Alzheimer's. Stakeholders from institutions, the scientific community, regional authorities, and patient associations gathered to review the findings produced by Altems Advisory. Discussions centered on how to prepare the National Health Service for new diagnostic opportunities and disease-modifying treatments.

According to figures presented during the meeting, the condition impacts millions of family members and caregivers alongside diagnosed individuals. Globally, dementia ranks as a leading cause of death, affecting personal independence and placing a heavy burden on social care infrastructure. In Italy, institutional frameworks like the National Dementia Plan have historically guided regional projects. Looking ahead, the National Dementia Plan 2027-2031 aims to establish measurable indicators and stable planning across seven areas of intervention.

However, the operational reality on the ground remains deeply fragmented. Patrizia Spadin, president of AIMA, the Italian Alzheimer's Association, noted that less than half of diagnosed patients receive treatment at Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia. Advanced stage patients and those with behavioral issues often face a total lack of suitable care facilities or accessible specialists unless they pay out of pocket. Early diagnosis is largely concentrated in a handful of centers, predominantly in Northern Italy. Access to innovative pharmacology remains restricted by regional investment shortfalls, prompting warnings that the condition is increasingly becoming a disease for the rich.

The Altems Advisory analysis of nine regions revealed that formal planning tools exist almost everywhere, but their translation into uniform operational practice is incomplete. Diagnostic capacity varies wildly across the nation. Data cited from the Italian National Institute of Health shows that only two out of three CDCDs nationwide can access amyloid PET scans, with regional availability fluctuating significantly.

Eugenio Di Brino, co-founder and partner of Altems Advisory, pointed to a clear causal chain where lacking operational governance leads to outdated pathways and fragmented information systems. Consequently, early diagnosis often relies entirely on the individual sensitivity of healthcare professionals rather than a standardized infrastructure.

Financial backing remains central to overcoming these hurdles. The Alzheimer's and Dementia Fund allocated funding to the Regions for the 2024-2026 window, representing an increase compared to the prior three-year cycle. Policymakers argue that such investments must be consolidated with longer timeframes to secure robust interventions. Lombardy Region Vice President Marco Alparone stressed the necessity of a shared system for validating process and outcome indicators to make local experiences comparable and support financial evidence.

Clinical focus is turning toward early biological diagnosis, utilizing biomarkers and blood-based tests to simplify identification before symptoms advance.

What happens next depends on how effectively regional networks integrate general practice, specialist centers, and community services under the upcoming planning framework. Stakeholders will monitor whether future funding cycles and the forthcoming National Dementia Plan can successfully bridge the gap between formal policy and daily clinical reality.