IFM | Innovative Diagnostic Tools and Workflows for Suspected Alzheimer's in Primary Care

In this special edition of Inside Family Medicine, sponsored by Roche Diagnostics, host Darren Sextro talks with brain health experts Deanna Willis, MD, MBA, a board-certified family physician, and Jared Brosch, MD, board-certified neurologist, on the use of blood-based biomarkers (BBBMs) in primary care settings for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Their discussion explores how BBBMs can make referrals more efficient and enhance the evaluation of patients with cognitive decline. The conversation highlights the value of early diagnosis and therapy referrals as well as outlines effective workflow strategies for primary care teams.

This episode is brought to you by Roche Diagnostics.

Topics by Timestamp

00:00 Introduction

01:03 Meet the experts

02:22 Dr. Willis' journey

04:32 Dr. Brosch's journey

05:32 Connection between family medicine and neurology

07:24 New tools for early detection

11:19 Workflow models and biomarkers

14:08 Best practices for referrals

16:35 Biomarkers in practice

19:47 Conclusion and additional resources

Additional Resources:

Roche Diagnostics Elecsys Phospho-Tau (181P) Plasma decision summary

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/reviews/K252163.pdf

2024 CEOi recommendations for clinical implementation of blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.14184

2025 Alzheimer's Association clinical guidelines for primary care: https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.14333

Implementing early detection of cognitive impairment in primary care to improve care for older adults: https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.20098

FPM journal article: Blood Biomarkers and Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

Brain health hub on AAFP.org including newest brain health resources

Brain health resources for patients from the AAFP

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