DIAGNOSING AND TREATING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS (ADRD) IN PRIMARY

Additional fee session

Co-Moderators: Esther S. Oh, MD, PhD & Zaldy S. Tan, MD, MPH

Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative diseases (AD/ADRD) that cause dementia have high prevalence, and result in substantial morbidity and costs to patients, their families and society. Decades of research has led to the development of novel methods to diagnose and treat these diseases, many of which are beginning to be translated into clinical practice. Recent progress has been made towards early, disease-specific diagnosis, and therapies that have the potential to slow disease progression . The focus of this conference is to present the most up to date advances in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and care and how these advances inform the diagnosis and care of other common causes of dementia, particularly Lewy Body disease and LATE (Limbic Associated TDP-43 Encephalopathy). Attendees of this pre-conference will learn how to incorporate these advances into their clinical practice. In addition, attendees will also further develop their skills in caring for persons living with dementia, regardless of the cause. Learning Objectives: (1) describe the current state of the science for diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s disease and related diseases that cause dementia (AD/ADRD); (2)  discuss cognitive screening tools and diagnostic tools that are used in screening for cognitive change and diagnosing the causes of the cognitive change; (3) review treatment and management strategies including comprehensive dementia-care models; and (4) describe key aspects of providing dementia care in a primary care practice, including workflow, quality improvement, billing and payment.