Building Capacity in AD:
Early Detection, Advancements & Patient-Centered Care

Faculty

James E. Galvin, MD, MPH

Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Miami, FL

Chuck Vega, MD

Clinical Professor of Family Medicine UC Irvine
Irvine, CA

Program Overview

The urgent need for this program is underscored by the growing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the United States and the critical importance of early diagnosis for effective intervention. AD poses a significant public health challenge, affecting millions of individuals and their families, with projections indicating a substantial increase in cases in the coming years.  However, a substantial educational gap exists regarding the recognition of early signs of the disease and the proper utilization of biomarkers for timely diagnosis. This knowledge deficit results in delayed diagnoses, missed opportunities for early intervention, and increased healthcare costs. Moreover, the scarcity of specialists, particularly in rural areas, exacerbates these challenges. Therefore, a targeted program that leverages telemedicine and tele-mentoring to enhance access to education, specialized guidance, and biomarker testing coordination is essential to address these pressing issues, ensuring that individuals receive early and accurate diagnoses, paving the way for more effective management and treatment of AD.  This program is imperative not only to improve the quality of care for Alzheimer's patients and their families but also to alleviate the strain on our healthcare system. With the development of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) newly available and others on the horizon, early diagnosis and intervention are more critical than ever. Telemedicine and tele-mentoring provide innovative solutions to bridge geographical and educational disparities, ensuring that healthcare professionals in rural and underserved areas have the knowledge and resources they need to confidently diagnose AD and utilize biomarkers effectively. By implementing this program, we can reduce patient waiting times, decrease the burden of AD on families and caregivers, and enhance the overall healthcare landscape in our communities. The urgent and unmet need for improved education and access to biomarker-based diagnosis necessitates immediate action, making this program an essential and timely initiative in our fight against AD. 

Target Audience

This educational initiative has been designed to meet the educational needs of clinicians caring for patients with AD, including primary care providers (including internal medicine, family practice, geriatric medicine), AD specialists, dementia specialists, neurologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

  • SUMMARIZE the adverse effects of delayed AD diagnosis, particularly in underserved areas, on patients and their families.
  • DISCUSS how to utilize biomarkers in the early diagnosis of AD to provide more accurate and timely assessments.
  • ASSESS the challenges posed by the shortage of specialists in both urban and rural settings inclusive of the impact it has on access to Alzheimer's care.
  • UTILIZE tele-mentoring for AD diagnosis with the goal of reducing patient waiting times, improving caregiver support, and enhancing the overall healthcare landscape in communities affected by AD. 
  • REVIEW emotional, physical, and financial burdens faced by caregivers of Alzheimer's patients in rural areas.
  • REVIEW of the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety data for disease-modifying therapies currently approved or in development for AD.

Educational Activities

Broadcasts
AD Provider Tool Kit

SOCIAL MEDIA BROADCAST ONE

Credit Amount: 0.25
Credit Type: ACCME
Release: October 4, 2024
Expiration: October 4, 2025

SOCIAL MEDIA BROADCAST THREE

Credit Amount: 0.25
Credit Type: ACCME
Release: October 7, 2024
Expiration: October 7, 2025

SOCIAL MEDIA BROADCAST FIVE

Credit Amount: 0.25
Credit Type: ACCME
Release: October 9, 2024
Expiration: October 9, 2025

SOCIAL MEDIA BROADCAST TWO

Credit Amount: 0.25
Credit Type: ACCME
Release: October 11, 2024
Expiration: October 11, 2025

SOCIAL MEDIA BROADCAST FOUR

Credit Amount: 0.25
Credit Type: ACCME
Release: October 8, 2025
Expiration: October 8, 2025

SOCIAL MEDIA BROADCAST SIX

Credit Amount: 0.25
Credit Type: ACCME
Release: October 10, 2024
Expiration: October 10, 2025

Clinical Resource Center

Credit Amount: 0
Credit Type: N/A

This activity is jointly provided by Global Education Group and Iridium Continuing Education.

SUPPORTER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This educational activity is supported by independent educational grants from Eisai Inc and Lilly.

Maximum Credit Amount: 1.50
Credit Type: ACCME
Release: October 4, 2024
Expiration: October 11, 2025