Simulation of Alzheimer's diagnostic flows with blood biomarker test options in Japan

This study projected the diagnostic testing landscape for lecanemab treatment in Japan under different workflows.

A dynamic simulation estimated wait times and treatment-eligible patient numbers under four scenarios: current diagnostic workflow, blood biomarker (BBM) tests as triage tools, BBM tests for confirmatory diagnostics, and both combined. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) and intangible costs were assessed via an online survey to estimate testing demand.

The maximum mean wait time under the current workflow was projected at 6.4 months, decreasing with BBM integration. The number of treatment-eligible patients increased considerably with BBM-based confirmatory diagnostics. BBM triage testing reduced wait times but temporarily increased treatment-eligible patients.

Replacing positron emission tomography (PET) or cerebrospinal fluid with BBM-based diagnostics may increase treatment eligibility because of lower costs, driving higher demand for testing.

A dynamic simulation models Alzheimer's diagnostic workflows in Japan.Blood biomarker (BBM) tests reduce diagnostic wait times for Alzheimer's in Japan.Implementing BBM tests improves access to Alzheimer's diagnostics.Study quantifies demand for diagnostic testing based on costs and accessibility.Testing costs impact the number of treatment-eligible Alzheimer's patients.