Breaking down barriers

This month we have a feature on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, starting with the article on page 16 from Cindy Birck, Project Officer at Alzheimer Europe. She looks at the significant challenges surrounding the accessibility and availability of clinical trials and the importance of breaking down barriers to stop the disease from stealing moments, memories and meaning.

In the second article on page 20, Brenda Botello Estrada, International Health Outcomes and RWE Liaison at Eli Lilly, looks at the future of Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment in Europe. She reiterates the importance of recognising symptoms early and that acting quickly can make a real difference to the lives of patients.

Brenda says: “Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continues to be one of the most challenging conditions facing patients, families and healthcare systems across Europe. Over half of specialists reported that patients delayed seeking help due to lack of awareness and/or stigma and just under half reported that a key barrier is a lack of understanding about what is part of normal ageing.”

Turn to page 24 to read our coverage of ASH 2025, held in Florida in December. As Suzanne Bobadilla says: “ASH 2025 showed up with a clenched fist and never loosened it. Under the rallying call of ‘Fight 4 Haematology’, the meeting stepped forward with purpose, urging the community to ‘fight for science, fight for research, fight for haematology and fight for patients’.”

On page 22, we have a fascinating article on oral health and systemic disease, looking at research into the link between P. gingivalis, a type of bacteria found in the mouth, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. PMGroup spoke to Dr Graham Lloyd-Jones, consultant radiologist at Salisbury NHS foundation trust, who is researching the links between oral health and systemic disease, and is a campaigner for better oral health in the UK.

Our March issue will look at achieving comms excellence utilising detailed audience insights, tailored messaging and personalised engagement through preferred channels. If you would like to make your voice heard on this topic, please get in touch at sales@pmlive.com

I hope you enjoy this issue!

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