Alzheimer’s Drugs Market is expected to reach US$ 26.37 Billion by 2031

Cholinesterase Inhibitors Segment Drives Alzheimer’s Drugs Market During 2025–2031

According to our new research study named "Alzheimer’s Drugs Market Forecast to 2031 – Global Analysis – by Drug Class, End User, and Geography," the market was valued at US$ 8.24 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 26.37 billion by 2031; it is expected to register a CAGR of 13.6% during 2025–2031. The aging population & rising Alzheimer’s prevalence, and improved diagnostics & early detection drive the adoption of Alzheimer’s drugs. However, the high cost of disease-modifying therapies hinders market growth. Public-private collaborations and funding growth are projected to bring new Alzheimer’s drugs market trends in the coming years.

Alzheimer's drugs manage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, which is a progressive neurological disorder that impairs memory and cognitive function. These drugs include cholinesterase inhibitors, such as Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and Galantamine; they increase neurotransmitter levels to improve communication between nerve cells. NMDA receptor antagonists such as memantine regulate glutamate activity to protect brain cells. Disease-modifying therapies such as aducanumab and lecanemab target amyloid plaques to slow the progression of the disease. While these treatments do not cure Alzheimer’s, they manage symptoms, delay decline in function, and improve the quality of life for patients, especially in the early to moderate stages of the disease.

Alzheimer’s Drugs Market, by Region, 2024 (%)

Source: The Insight Partners Analysis

The rising elderly population is increasing the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, driving global Alzheimer’s drugs market growth. Awareness of neurodegenerative disorders is on the rise. Advances in diagnostic technology and more government and private funding for research propel market growth. The approval of new therapies that target amyloid plaques has renewed interest in treatment options.

Partnerships among pharmaceutical companies, ongoing clinical trials, and a strong drug development pipeline also foster the market's growth. The economic and social burden of Alzheimer’s on families and healthcare systems highlights the urgent need for effective treatments, thereby contributing to the rising Alzheimer’s drugs market size.

Alzheimer’s Drugs Market Analysis Based on Segmental Evaluation:

Based on drug class, the Alzheimer’s drugs market is segmented into cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists, combination drugs, and others. The cholinesterase inhibitors segment held a significant Alzheimer’s drugs market share in 2024. Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEls) are extensively prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. They inhibit acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter instrumental in learning and memory. By preventing acetylcholine from being broken down, these drugs encourage cholinergic neurotransmission. Improved cholinergic neurotransmission restores cognitive function and capacity for day-to-day activities.

The major approved cholinesterase inhibitors are: Donepezil (Aricept), Rivastigmine (Exelon), and Galantamine (Razadyne). Generic versions of these drugs are widely available, reducing treatment costs and ensuring wider access worldwide.

In July 2024, the FDA approved a pro-drug of galantamine, offering milder gastrointestinal side effects than traditional galantamine (Razadyne). Zunveyl was widely marketed in the US in late March 2025 to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's.

Due to strong clinical evidence, extensive physician familiarity, and broad regulatory approvals, Donepezil holds the largest global market share. Eisai is introducing new formulations, donepezil combination therapies, and extended-release dosage forms.

Novartis markets Rivastigmine, which inhibits acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. The transdermal patch formulation increases patient adherence by reducing gastrointestinal side effects. Galantamine (Razadyne), marketed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, provides dual action through nicotinic receptor modulation, providing potential additional cognitive benefits.

Generic companies are entering the market as the patents of the original ChEls are expiring, improving affordability and accessibility at the price of squeezing margins for branded products.

Thus, the Cholinesterase inhibitors remain commercially highly required drugs in the therapeutic landscape for Alzheimer's disease. The growing patient population and penetration into emerging markets are encouraging commercial opportunities.

The geographical scope of the Alzheimer’s drugs market report includes the assessment of the market performance in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South and Central America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America dominated the Alzheimer’s drugs market share in 2024. The rising number of individuals aged over 65 increases the prevalence of the condition, creating a larger patient base in need of treatment. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on research and development, supported by government funding and private investment. The US hosts leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that develop innovative therapies, including disease-modifying treatments and monoclonal antibodies, thereby bolstering the Alzheimer’s drugs market growth in North America. Further, healthcare infrastructure in the region is well-developed, with access to specialized care and reimbursement systems that encourage the use of new therapies. Introducing new treatments such as lecanemab and donanemab generates renewed interest and investment in the field, favoring the Alzheimer’s drugs market growth in North America.

According to a study titled "2025 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures," published in April 2025, ~7.2 million Americans aged 65 and above are living with Alzheimer's disease, and this number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060. Nearly 2.5 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease are expected to be age 85 or older in 2025, accounting for 33% of all people with Alzheimer’s. By 2060, 6.7 million people age 85 and older are expected to have Alzheimer’s disease, accounting for 48% of all people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a leading cause of death among those 65 and older; one in three dies with dementia, surpassing breast and prostate cancer combined. This growing patient base, awareness, and early diagnosis fuel demand for symptomatic and disease-modifying therapies. Robust research investments further support the market expansion. For 2024, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that ~US$ 321 million will be needed in additional resources, with the overall funding needed for Alzheimer’s and related dementias research totaling US$ 3.87 billion, fostering innovation in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Manufacturers in the region are focusing on implementing growth strategies such as expanding product portfolios, launching new products to strengthen their market positioning, and contributing to the Alzheimer’s drugs market growth. Leqembi (lecanemab), approved in January 2023, and Kisunla (donanemab), approved in July 2024, have shown promise in slowing cognitive decline. In May 2023, Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. announced that Health Canada accepted a New Drug Submission (NDS) for lecanemab (an investigational anti-amyloid beta protofibril antibody sold under the brand name LEQEMBI in the US) to treat early Alzheimer’s disease with confirmed amyloid pathology in the brain.

As per the Alzheimer's Society of Canada estimates, approximately 1 in 9 Canadians aged 65 and older is affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and the number of cases is set to rise from over 600,000 in 2023 to more than 1 million by 2030. Women are disproportionately affected due to longer life expectancy, contributing to higher incidence rates. In 2024, ~750,000 Canadians were living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. According to the Canadian Vital Statistics - Deaths Database, 65.5% of all deaths due to Alzheimer’s disease occur among Canadians aged 85 and older. Thus, Canada’s changing demographics and disease prevalence drive therapeutic innovation, bolstering the Alzheimer’s drugs market growth.

Novartis AG, Daiichi Sankyo Co Ltd, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc, Merck & Co Inc, Biogen Inc, Merz Pharma GmbH & Co KGaA, Eli Lilly and Co, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Co Ltd, and AbbVie Inc. are among the leading companies profiled in the Alzheimer’s drugs market report.

Based on drug class, the Alzheimer’s drugs market is segmented into cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists, combination drugs, and others. The cholinesterase inhibitors segment is divided into Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and Galantamine. By end user, the Alzheimer’s drugs market is categorized into hospital, retail, and online pharmacies. Based on distribution channel, the Alzheimer’s drugs market is bifurcated into online and offline. Geographically, the market is categorized into North America (US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (France, Germany, UK, Spain, Italy, and the Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and the Rest of Asia Pacific), the Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE, and the Rest of the Middle East and Africa), and South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, and the Rest of South and Central America).

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