Description

Physicians play a pivotal role in the early detection and management of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Primary Care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive changes, yet many cases remain undiagnosed or are recognized only at advanced stages, when significant neurodegeneration and functional decline have already occurred.

This CME program emphasizes the critical importance of early detection, the expanding role of AD biomarkers, and their potential to revolutionize clinical care. Current biomarkers, including amyloid PET imaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assay and Blood Based Biomarkers (BBBM) are underutilized in clinical settings. However, their integration into routine clinical practice is expected to grow with the approval of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).

The emergence of blood-based biomarkers (BBBMs) offers a promising alternative to traditional approaches. These less invasive, more accessible biomarkers have the potential to facilitate earlier and more widespread diagnostic evaluations, particularly in resource-limited settings.

This program will also address the ethical considerations surrounding biomarker utilization, including issues of access, patient autonomy, and implications of early diagnosis. It will underscore the need for heightened clinical vigilance and advocate for collaborative care models that integrate primary care providers with dementia care specialists to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered management.

By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and equipping primary care providers with the knowledge and tools necessary for timely AD diagnosis and intervention, this CME activity aims to improve patient outcomes and advance the standard of care for individuals with AD and MCI.

Speaker: Dr. Yogesh (Yogi) Shah MD, MPH, FAAFP

Dr. Yogi Shah is a dementia specialist. He did his Geriatric Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic with a special focus on the early detection of dementia. He also holds a Master in Public Health (MPH) from Des Moines University and was 2021 College of Health Sciences Alumni of the Year.

He has given talks on Early detection and prevention of dementia at national, and international levels. His current focus is on early detection, especially in minority populations through biomarkers, and improved brain health for all.

Objectives:

• Review the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum
• Discuss current and emerging biomarkers for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
• Highlight newer treatment options that slows disease progression
• Explore the role of the Primary Care Providers in identifying patients early during Annual Wellness Visits (AWV)

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is the accredited provider and has approved this activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, American Osteopathic Association credit, and continuing education contact hours. The speaker(s) will disclose if any pharmaceuticals, medical procedures, or devices discussed are investigational or unapproved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The activity director is responsible for determining educational content and selecting speakers. No ineligible company provided financial support for this continuing education activity. If you have questions regarding continuing education credit, please email cme@dmu.edu.