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INDIANAPOLIS – Eli Lilly and Company has announced the expansion of its LillyDirect digital healthcare platform, aiming to enhance access to Alzheimer's disease care through independent in-person and telehealth provider connections. This initiative addresses the urgent need for timely diagnosis and treatment for the nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, many of whom remain undiagnosed.
With growing demand for dementia specialists, wait times for diagnosis are expected to exceed one year by 2025, with even longer delays in rural and underserved areas. Nearly 20% of Medicare beneficiaries must travel more than 50 miles for neurological care, contributing to an average diagnostic delay of over two years after symptom onset.
“We know that early diagnosis and care can make a big difference for people living with Alzheimer's disease. By expanding this platform, we hope to help patients identify and access additional independent specialty care capacity, which can coordinate with a patient's existing care team,” said David Hyman, MD, Lilly's chief medical officer. “The addition of Alzheimer's disease to LillyDirect reaffirms our commitment to empower patients to locate the care that is right for them when they need it.”
LillyDirect’s expanded offerings focus on bridging these care gaps by connecting patients experiencing memory issues with independent specialists. Key features include:
- Healthgrades integration – A doctor locator tool to help patients find local clinicians experienced in Alzheimer's disease management and biomarker-based diagnostics.
- Synapticure partnership – A specialized telehealth provider offering comprehensive neurodegenerative care, including rapid access to neurologists, behavioral health support, and insurance navigation. Patients can connect with a care navigator within two days and schedule a neurologist appointment within two weeks.
- Educational resources – The platform continues to provide disease awareness via MoreThanNormalAging.com, assisting individuals in recognizing symptoms and seeking early intervention.
Unlike other conditions supported by LillyDirect, Alzheimer's disease resources do not include mail-order pharmacy options for Lilly medicines but instead focus on guiding patients toward independent care providers.
Alzheimer’s disease progression significantly impacts treatment options, as those diagnosed in later stages experience greater dependency and fewer therapeutic interventions. An estimated 3,000 Americans transition from mild to moderate or severe Alzheimer's each day, underscoring the need for earlier detection and management.
“As a caregiver of someone with a neurodegenerative condition, I helped start Synapticure to ensure that patients receive timely and accurate diagnoses, as well as ongoing support and treatment,” said Sandra Abrevaya, CEO of Synapticure. “We are excited to be added to LillyDirect as a patient option for comprehensive telehealth services for Alzheimer's patients, especially those in rural and underserved communities. By leveraging our experienced team of clinicians and advanced telehealth capabilities, we aim to provide hope and help for patients and their families.”
LillyDirect has also begun expanding its services internationally, starting with Australia, where it offers disease education and independent healthcare connections. Future global expansions are planned for 2025.
For more information, visit lillydirect.lilly.com.
