Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) has expanded its LillyDirect digital healthcare platform to provide independent in-person and telehealth options for people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
The expansion aims to mitigate limitations to diagnosis and care, as most affected individuals have not been formally diagnosed.
Unlike other conditions on LillyDirect, Alzheimer’s disease resources will not include mail-order pharmacy options, but will help connect people to independent provider options.
The expanded platform will now include Healthgrades, an independent doctor locator tool, and Synapticure, a provider specialising in neurodegenerative care.
Healthgrades helps users identify local clinicians experienced in managing Alzheimer’s patients and using biomarker tests for accurate diagnoses.
Synapticure offers comprehensive telehealth services, including diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, with a team of experienced clinicians.
Lilly is continuing to provide educational resources through MoreThanNormalAging.com.
The educational content provides information on identifying Alzheimer’s signs, the importance of early diagnosis, and how to start conversations with healthcare providers.
Also, it educates and guides individuals with memory concerns towards care pathways.
Lilly chief medical officer David Hyman said: “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 speciality care capacity, which can coordinate with a patient’s existing care team.
“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.”
Healthgrades enables timely and accurate diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s disease and allows patients to find local office-based clinicians with Alzheimer’s expertise.
The tool provides various filtering and sorting options, enabling users to locate specialised healthcare providers that meet their specific needs.
Synapticure has been added to LillyDirect as a telehealth provider based on a thorough evaluation process. It offers live video visits, insurance coverage, and 24-hour access.
Its services include ongoing medication management, behavioural health support, and coordination of care during emergencies.
Patients can expect to connect with a care navigator within two days of inquiry and secure an appointment with a neurologist experienced in Alzheimer’s care within about two weeks.
Synapticure CEO Sandra Abrevaya said: “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.
“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.”
