The worldwide cost of dementia care is estimated to be US$315.4 B annually. In the US, the care costs for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been estimated at over US$100 B, and a 20007 study put the cost in the UK at #8356;17.03 B (US$34 B). This Therapy Focus, by Nigel Borshell, looks at the need for the early diagnosis of AD, possible disease markers, the requirement for advances in pharmacoeconomic aspects, and recent deal making and opportunities. It also provides details of current R&D projects.