Updates in Diagnostics & Therapeutics in Alzheimer's Dementia-View Presentation Slides

View Presentation Slides

Pdf Summary

The document provides comprehensive updates on the diagnostics and therapeutics of Alzheimer’s dementia, presented by experts from the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and the University of Arizona. It includes information on continuing education credits available through the American Psychiatric Association for healthcare professionals attending the event.<br /><br />The introduction defines dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), explains the continuum of Alzheimer’s disease, and discusses the epidemiology, neuropathology, and biomarkers. Key insights are drawn from various sources, including Sperling et al. (2011) and McKhann et al. (2011), with a focus on cognitive symptoms that interfere with daily activities and are detectable through assessment.<br /><br />The document outlines the etiology of dementia or MCI, from reversible conditions like depression, anxiety, and metabolic disturbances, to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.<br /><br />It highlights a growing shortage of specialists in dementia care, leading to delayed diagnosis and inadequate preparedness among general practitioners. The document also reviews risk factors for Alzheimer’s, delineating non-modifiable factors such as age and genetics, and modifiable factors including lifestyle and medical conditions.<br /><br />Updates on the biological changes in Alzheimer’s include amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, inflammation, and brain atrophy. Biomarkers, important for differentiating Alzheimer’s from other dementias, include fluid biomarkers like CSF and blood tests, and imaging biomarkers like MRI and PET scans.<br /><br />Revised criteria focus on integrating biological markers with clinical staging. Fluid biomarkers are considered essential for staging the disease. The document concludes with a section on pharmacological management, emphasizing the combination of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches and detailing treatment expectations with cholinesterase inhibitors and anti-amyloid therapies. Exciting developments in emerging disease-modifying therapies, particularly for early Alzheimer’s stages, are noted as critical for slowing disease progression and improving management strategies.

Keywords

Alzheimer's dementia

diagnostics

therapeutics

biomarkers

cognitive impairment

neurodegenerative disorders

pharmacological management

risk factors

disease progression

continuing education