Current capacity of Portuguese specialized dementia centers in the era of anti‐amyloid antibodies
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a major cause of cognitive decline and societal burden. The recent approval of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) lecanemab and donanemab represents a paradigm shift in AD treatment. We assessed the preparedness of Portuguese centers to implement DMTs. METHODS: A nationwide survey-based cross-sectional service-capacity study targeted memory clinics, focusing primarily on National Health System (NHS) centers. Data were collected on clinical capacity, diagnostic access, treatment capability, and research activity. RESULTS: Among 51 responding units, 20 had organized memory clinics (17 in the NHS), covering 60.7% of the population. In 2024, these centers conducted 21,721 consultations, representing expert care for <10% of the total AD patients estimated to exist in Portugal. Bottlenecks included long waiting times and limited biomarker access (26.2% underwent cerebrospinal fluid or amyloid positron emission tomography). Nationwide, from experts' estimates, 701 patients could currently start treatment. DISCUSSION: Portugal's current NHS capacity appears insufficient for broad DMT implementation, requiring major investment in diagnostics, training, infrastructure, and research to ensure equitable and effective treatment access.
DOI: 10.1002/dad2.70513
Authors: Miguel Tábuas‐Pereira, Anuschka Silva‐Spínola, Catarina Agostinho, Luísa Alves, Rui Araújo, Catarina Bernardes, Mariana Branco, Cláudia Borbinha, Verónica Cabreira, Sónia Costa, Alexandra Dias Silva, João Durães, Pedro Faustino, Catarina Félix, Andreia Fernandes, Joaquim Ferreira, Miguel Gago, Cláudia Guarda, Cristina Ionel, Joana Jesus‐Ribeiro, Inês Laranjinha, André Leitão, Liliana Letra, Pedro Lopes das Neves, Luis F Maia, Álvaro Machado, Bárbara Martins, João Massano, Alexandre Mendonça, Marcelo Mendonça, Rita Miguel, Miguel Miranda, Joana Morgado, Camila Nóbrega, Maria Pereira Coutinho, Tiago Oliveira, Fernando Pita, Francisco Sabença, Sofia Rocha, Luis Ruano, Telma Santos, Frederico Simões do Couto, Ricardo Taipa, Vitor Tedim Cruz, Ana H Valverde, Ana Vélon, Ana Verdelho, Miguel Viana Baptista, Daniela Vieira, Marisa Lima, Tiago Gil Oliveira, Isabel Santana
Institutions: Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Centro de Inovação em Biomedicina e Biotecnologia, University of Coimbra, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Universidade do Porto, CUF Porto Hospital, University of Minho, Unidade Local de Saúde Gaia/Espinho, Unidade Local de Saúde do Alentejo Central, Hospital de São João, Hospital Vila Franca de Xira, Unidade Local de Saúde da Guarda EPE, Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, University of Lisbon, Laboratório de Farmacologia Clínica e Terapêutica, Unidade Local de Saúde do Arco Ribeirinho, Unidade Local de Saúde de Almada-Seixal, Unidade Local de Saúde da Região de Leiria, Hospital de Santo António, Hospital Center of Cova da Beira, Unidade Local de Saúde da Região de Aveiro, Hospital Prof. Dr. Fernando Fonseca, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Albel Salazar, Hospital Braga, Champalimaud Foundation, Hospital Cruz Vermelha, Hospital de Cascais Dr José de Almeida, Unidade Local de Saúde de São José, Hospital de São José, Unidade Local de Saúde de Entre Douro e Vouga, University of Aveiro, Unidade Local de Saúde de Viseu Dão-Lafões, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Hospital CUF Descobertas, Unidade Local de Saúde de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Unidade Hospitalar de Famalicão
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,540
OpenAlex ID: W7224092790