November 19, 2024 - Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel – In a recent study, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center has shed light on physician attitudes toward novel anti-amyloid treatments (ATT) for Alzheimer's disease (AD), revealing a spectrum of opinions across key specialties. With Israel's health system structured to provide universal healthcare, the high out-of-pocket costs for new AD therapies have raised questions among medical professionals about the feasibility and practicality of implementing these treatments.
The study, conducted by Dr. Noa Bregman and colleagues, is the first in Israel to examine how neurologists, geriatricians, and psychiatrists perceive the new ATT options as they are being introduced into clinical practice.
Key findings include:
- Mixed Confidence in Treatment Efficacy: Over 60% of surveyed physicians expressed skepticism about ATT's ability to significantly alter AD's progression.
- Specialty-Driven Differences in Referrals: Neurologists showed greater willingness to refer early-stage AD patients for ATT, while geriatricians and psychiatrists highlighted practical concerns, including costs, accessibility of biomarker tests, and the holistic management of elderly patients with comorbidities.
- Influential Factors in Referrals: Physicians emphasized patient age, financial status, and access to specialized diagnostics as critical considerations when evaluating suitability for ATT.
Dr. Shir noted, "While these innovative treatments offer potential benefits, the findings highlight the importance of addressing the financial and logistical barriers that may hinder broader adoption. Our study underscores the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure comprehensive patient care and to maximize the potential of ATT in Israel."
The research team suggests that initiatives aimed at education, cost-benefit analysis, and improved insurance coverage are essential to enhance ATT accessibility and physician confidence. Establishing specialized AD treatment centers could further support equitable access to these therapies.
