Alzheimer’s research faces recruitment bottlenecks despite therapy advances

The 2026 World Alzheimer Report, released by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), highlights a period of intense scientific activity alongside significant recruitment challenges. Currently, 158 potential therapies are being evaluated across 192 clinical trials globally. While these trials require approximately 55,000 participants, researchers estimate that at least 350,000 people may need to volunteer due to strict eligibility and screening criteria that disqualify many candidates.

Despite these bottlenecks, the report notes promising advancements in disease-modifying drugs, such as lecanemab and donanemab, which aim to slow disease progression rather than merely managing symptoms. Emerging technologies, including blood tests for Alzheimer’s-related changes and computer-driven drug discovery, are also accelerating research.

However, the report warns of systemic inequalities. Most clinical trials are concentrated in high-income countries and lack diversity, primarily involving white participants. This geographic and demographic concentration limits the ability to apply research findings to global populations. Experts emphasize the need for better participant awareness and the inclusion of people living with dementia and their families in defining study parameters.