IFM | Primary Care and Cognitive Concerns: Screening, Diagnosis, and Support

Host Michael Monroe interviews Dr. Brianna Wynne, a board-certified geriatric medicine physician, about how family physicians can support prevention, screening, and early detection of cognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Wynne distinguishes normal aging (slower processing speed) from mild cognitive impairment (objective test deficits with preserved function) and dementia as a spectrum from mild functional difficulties with instrumental activities to severe end-stage dependence. She describes how concerns typically surface through caregivers or during routine visits such as Medicare annual wellness visits and emphasizes proactive questioning. She highlights practical tools and resources including the Mini-Cog, AAFP shared decision-making guidance to help differentiate dementia types, the Alzheimer's Association for patient and caregiver support, and familydoctor.org for accessible, bite-sized clinical information.

Topics By Timestamp

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:47 Dr. Wynne Background

01:40 Cognitive Decline Basics

05:11 What Family Docs See

07:05 Starting the Conversation

08:51 Screening Tools and Resources

11:18 CME and Quick References

12:22 Future of Dementia Care

14:38 Wrap Up

Additional Resources

• 6 tips for talking about brain health across the lifespan

• Brain Health: Clinical Guidance and Practice Resources | AAFP

• Dementia | Family Doctor

• Alzheimer's Disease | Family Doctor

• Evaluation of Suspected Dementia | AAFP

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