Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: Global Trends, Diagnostic Barriers, and Therapeutic Gaps
Ankita Arya
03/09/2026
Early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) is a severe neurodegenerative condition that particularly affects people under the age of 65. EOAD is often characterized by atypical symptoms, a rapid course and specific socioeconomic dysfunctions, but it remains poorly studied despite all of these factors. This review is intended to assess the current global situation of EOAD, especially the diagnostic challenges, worsening of EOAD burden at global level and significant therapeutic gaps. The paper integrates recent epidemiological data from the past decade, 121 clinical trial registries, and diagnostic frameworks to pinpoint systemic difficulties in handling EOAD globally. The analyses show that there are significant diagnostic delays for those with EOAD, due to clinician bias, lack of age-specific cognitive instruments and non-amnestic symptoms, including language problems and visuospatial difficulties. The increasing global burden of EOAD places substantial psychological and socioeconomic strain on patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems. Additionally, the available therapeutic options have not been tested in younger EOAD populations, as they are typically not included in the majority of disease-modifying therapies. EOAD represents a growing global health concern that is characterized by persistent diagnostic delays, limited therapeutic options, and inadequate representation in research. Overall, these findings underscore the critical need to understand and address the underdiagnosis, under-treatment and underrepresentation of EOAD in research and health care systems. Addressing this crisis and these gaps demands urgent implementation of age-specific diagnostic systems, international registries to accurately assess actual disease burden and age-specific clinical trials led.