CME | Dementia Demystified: From Early Signs to Everyday Management

In this CME On the Go episode, our hosts discuss evaluating and managing dementia-related concerns in primary care using a common scenario: an older patient brought in by an adult child concerned about Alzheimer's disease and possible nursing home placement. They emphasize that these visits are time intensive and require history from both the patient and family, distinguishing normal aging from functional cognitive decline across domains such as memory, judgment, language and orientation, while remaining aware of family dynamics. Key exam priorities include vision, hearing and depression screening. They review brief and extended cognitive screening tools, labs for reversible causes and selective imaging. The episode outlines definitions of normal aging, mild cognitive impairment and dementia, along with practical, safety-focused management, medication options and the family physician's role in long-term planning and caregiver support.

Learning Objectives

1. Recognize early signs and symptoms of dementia and distinguish them from normal aging and potentially reversible causes of cognitive change.

1. Differentiate behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) from unmet needs or environmental triggers, clarifying what BPSD is—and what it is not.

1. Share practical, evidence‑informed management pearls with patients and caregivers, focusing on nonpharmacologic strategies and realistic expectations for disease progression.

The AAFP has reviewed CME On the Go, Season 3 and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit(s). Term of Approval is from 07/06/2026 to 07/06/2028. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This session, "Dementia Demystified: From Early Signs to Everyday Management" is approved for 0.50 credits Enduring Materials, Self-Study, AAFP Prescribed credit(s).

The AAFP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Academy of Family Physicians designates this Enduring Materials activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link.

https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/20235/e

References and Resources

• All AAFP Dementia topics:

https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/topics/by-topic.dementia.html

• Dementia Diagnosis and Care: CME for Family Physicians

https://www.aafp.org/cme-and-events/topics/geriatrics-end-of-life-care/dementia-on-demand

• Article from AAFP titled "Evaluation of Suspected Dementia" https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2025/1200/suspected-dementia-evaluation.html

Disclosure: It is the policy of the AAFP that all individuals in a position to control content disclose any relationships with commercial interests upon nomination/invitation of participation. Disclosure documents are reviewed for potential conflicts of interest and, if identified, conflicts are resolved prior to confirmation of participation. Only those participants who had no conflict of interest or who agreed to an identified resolution process prior to their participation were involved in this CME activity.  All individuals in a position to control content for this session have indicated they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. 

Disclaimer: Copyright 2026. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP.  The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice.  AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use.  Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.