Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness Month: Market Trends, Therapies & Innovation

June marks Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness Month, a timely occasion to spotlight the growing global burden of neurodegenerative diseases and the urgent need for coordinated action. Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other forms of dementia are rapidly increasing in prevalence, driven by aging populations and longer life expectancies worldwide. From an epidemiological perspective, the numbers are staggering over 55 million people live with dementia globally, a figure expected to double every 20 years. Meanwhile, the treatment landscape is evolving, with promising developments in disease-modifying therapies, early diagnostic tools, and personalized medicine. Yet, progress remains uneven, particularly in low-resource settings. This article explores the intersection of public health awareness, scientific innovation, and the global response to neurodegenerative diseases—underscoring why brain health must become a cornerstone of 21st-century healthcare.

Understanding Dementia and Its Impact

Dementia refers to a group of progressive neurological disorders that impair memory, cognition, and functional independence, predominantly affecting older adults. It is not a single disease but an umbrella term encompassing several conditions, each with distinct characteristics and progression patterns. 

The global burden of dementia is rising sharply, with significant regional disparities in prevalence and preparedness. The Asia-Pacific region currently accounts for over 60% of all dementia cases, making it the most affected globally. In Europe, the number of people living with dementia is projected to increase substantially—from 10 million to nearly 14.3 million in the EU, and over 18.8 million across the broader European region by 2050. Meanwhile, Africa is expected to experience the fastest percentage growth, with dementia cases potentially tripling due to demographic shifts and limited healthcare infrastructure. Despite these alarming trends, awareness, timely diagnosis, and access to care remain critically low, especially in low- and middle-income countries. As of 2022, fewer than 20% of countries worldwide had implemented a national dementia strategy, highlighting a significant gap in global preparedness.

Types of Dementia

The most common types of dementia include:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Vascular dementia
• Lewy body dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia

Among these, Alzheimer’s disease is the most widespread and debilitating form.

Alzheimer’s Disease: The Most Pressing Brain Health Challenge

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for 60 to 70% of all dementia cases. As of 2023, over 55 million people globally are living with dementia, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International. This number is projected to reach 139 million by 2050, largely driven by ageing populations in low and middle-income countries. The growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s poses significant challenges for families, healthcare systems, and economies, highlighting the urgent need for early diagnosis, caregiver support, and research into disease-modifying therapies.

Parkinson’s Disease: A Growing Movement Disorder Crisis

While Parkinson’s disease is primarily characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, bradykinesia, and muscle stiffness, cognitive impairment can develop in later stages. Affecting over 10 million people worldwide, Parkinson’s represents another major neurological condition contributing to the global brain health burden. Advancements in treatment, including neuromodulation and targeted therapeutics, continue to play a key role in improving quality of life and extending independence.

Parkinson’s disease is quietly becoming a global health crisis. Once considered a condition mostly affecting older adults in wealthier nations, it is now the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world. According to a 2024 BMJ study, the number of people living with Parkinson’s has more than doubled to 6.1 million in 2016, and it is expected to surpass 12 million by 2040. While high-income countries still report the most cases, the sharpest rise is happening in low- and middle-income regions, where longer lifespans and limited healthcare access compound the challenge. Beyond aging, exposure to harmful pesticides, industrial pollution, and other environmental toxins is increasingly linked to the disease. For individuals and families, a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be life-altering, bringing progressive physical and emotional tolls. 

For health systems, the growing numbers represent a looming strain—demanding urgent investment in research, early intervention, and long-term care support. Parkinson’s is no longer a distant concern; it's a reality reshaping the lives of millions across the globe.

Tau-targeted therapies and Gene Targeted Agents to Lead the Treatment Pipeline for Alzheimer’s Disease

Although neurodegenerative diseases are notoriously difficult to treat due to the complexity of the brain and the blood-brain barrier, advances in biotechnology, gene therapy, and immunotherapy are unlocking new frontiers.

More than 330 Therapies are Under Development to Help in Disease Modification

The Alzheimer’s treatment landscape is undergoing a paradigm shift with the emergence of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).

• Lecanemab (Leqembi), Co-developed by Eisai and Biogen, Leqembi became the first FDA-approved therapy targeting amyloid beta protofibrils. It received full approval in July 2023 for use in early Alzheimer’s stages. Clinical trials demonstrated a 27% slowing in cognitive decline over 18 months, representing a pivotal milestone in Alzheimer’s care.
• Donanemab, developed by Eli Lilly, targets a modified form of amyloid beta known as N3pG. In the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 Phase 3 trial, it showed a 35% deceleration in clinical decline for patients with low-to-moderate tau pathology. A regulatory decision from the FDA is anticipated in 2024.
• More than 330 therapies are currently in clinical development for Alzheimer’s, including anti-tau therapies, neuroprotective agents, and gene-targeted therapies.
• Diagnostic innovation is also gaining traction. Plasma-based biomarkers such as phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and neurofilament light (NfL) are enabling earlier and non-invasive diagnosis, improving patient selection and monitoring in clinical trials.

Biomarker research is also evolving rapidly, with plasma-based assays (e.g. p-tau and NfL) enabling earlier and more accurate detection.

Parkinson’s Drug Development Shifts Toward Neuroprotection and Gene Therapy

Parkinson’s drug development is shifting from dopamine replacement to neuroprotection and disease modification.

• Prevail Therapeutics, acquired by Eli Lilly, is developing PR001, an experimental gene therapy for patients with Parkinson’s linked to GBA1 mutations. The therapy uses an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to deliver a functional copy of the GBA1 gene. Early-phase data suggest the potential to slow disease progression in patients with more aggressive forms of PD.
• Voyager Therapeutics and Neurocrine Biosciences are exploring AAV-based gene delivery systems aimed at restoring dopamine synthesis through targeted delivery of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) enzymes, essential for dopamine production.
• Anle138b: This small molecule therapy, under mid-stage clinical trials, targets alpha-synuclein aggregation, a pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s. Preclinical studies have shown it can prevent neurodegeneration by stabilizing toxic protein conformations.
• Digital Biomarkers: Alongside drug development, innovations in wearable sensors and mobile applications are enabling remote, continuous monitoring of motor symptoms. These digital endpoints are revolutionizing clinical trial design and bringing patient-centric models to Parkinson’s research.

Additionally, wearable devices and digital biomarkers are transforming PD research by enabling real-time, remote symptom tracking for clinical endpoints.

Acquisitions by Leading Companies Like Eli Lily and Sanofi to Boost the Treatment Landscape for Neurodegenerative Diseases

The urgent need to address neurodegenerative diseases has sparked a wave of strategic investments and cross-sector collaborations, as companies race to deliver new treatments and improve access to care. Here are some of the latest developments in the market.

• In March 2025, Eli Lilly expanded its telehealth platform. LillyDirect (formerly Synapticure) now includes specialized providers for Alzheimer’s diagnosis and care, aiming to bridge gaps in treatment access, especially in underserved communities. 
• In April 2025, Sanofi announced the acquisition of Vigil Neuroscience worth USD 40 million, adding its investigational Alzheimer’s candidate VG‑3927 to Sanofi’s neurology pipeline, marking a major move in gene-targeting neurodegenerative research.
• In June 2024, Eli Lilly invested USD 45 million to acquire rights from QurAlis for a preclinical asset targeting ALS and frontotemporal dementia, demonstrating its commitment to expanding into broader neurological conditions. 
• In May 2024, Charles River Laboratories and Insightec entered a five-year agreement to deploy focused ultrasound (FUS) for preclinical neuroscience drug development, integrating novel technology to enhance Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and oncology related therapy pipelines.

These developments reflect not just competition, but a growing recognition that solving the brain health crisis will require collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment across biotech, pharma, and tech sectors.

Beyond Drugs: A Holistic Approach to Brain Health

While drug development remains essential in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases, a truly effective approach to brain health must go beyond pharmaceuticals to include holistic, lifestyle-based, and societal interventions. Research consistently shows that cognitive engagement, regular physical activity, and a Mediterranean-style diet can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and support brain function. In parallel, digital brain training tools like CogniFit and BrainHQ are being increasingly used as supportive therapies for individuals with early cognitive decline. Emerging non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are also showing promise in improving cognitive and motor symptoms in both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s populations. Equally crucial is the often-overlooked need for caregiver support and accessible, community-based services, which can enhance quality of life, reduce stress, and help delay the need for institutional care. Together, these interventions represent a more person-centered and preventive vision for brain health in the 21st century.

The Road Ahead: From Challenge to Transformation

As the global brain health crisis deepens, it’s clear that scientific progress alone is not enough. Drug development, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer’s, continues to face steep odds, with over 90% of clinical trials in the past two decades failing to meet their primary goals. Beyond the lab, persistent challenges such as limited diversity in clinical trials, a shortage of neurologists in rural regions, and gaps in integrating real-world data into care all threaten to widen existing disparities.

Yet, amid these hurdles, a wave of innovation is reshaping what’s possible. The convergence of AI, digital therapeutics, and biomarker science is driving a shift toward precision neurology, promising earlier detection, more targeted treatment, and improved patient outcomes. At Expert Market Research, our analysis of global trends reveals three defining insights for the future of brain health: the Asia-Pacific region is set to lead growth by 2040 due to its aging demographic; AI and gene-targeted therapies are moving from the margins to the mainstream; and multi-modal care models—blending pharmaceuticals with digital and behavioral tools—will be essential for sustainable impact.

To Know More

At Expert Market Research, we specialize in providing early-stage research and development to market launch and ongoing growth. Our comprehensive research services support clients in advancing their R&D pipelines, identifying emerging therapeutic opportunities, and navigating complex market dynamics.

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