Understanding and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease
National Medical Association CME Symposium

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the fourth leading cause of death among elderly patients in the U.S., accounting for more than 100,000 deaths each year. More than 4 million people in the U.S. have AD, according to recent estimates. Among African Americans, the incidence of AD and the severity of cognitive symptoms is estimated to be even higher.

Primary care physicians are in a unique position to detect and manage the early stages of AD. In many cases, the primary care physician is a patient’s sole provider of health care. The clinical diagnosis of AD has improved significantly in recent years; the accuracy of clinical diagnosis by skilled clinicians is estimated to be 90%.

Although there is no cure for AD, the symptoms of the disease are treatable. Treatment can improve the quality of life for patients, families and caregivers. Early treatment may delay the institutionalization, and thus reduce the overall cost of treating the disease.

Health professionals caring for minority patients need to be alert to the cultural, educational, language, and financial characteristics of this group and how these factors affect the diagnosis and management of AD. Caregivers should be provided with the necessary information to effectively assist in the patient’s health care plan.

The purpose of this symposium is to help primary care physicians diagnose and manage AD and provide the answers and support sought by families and caregivers.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

1. Explain the basic pathophysiology of AD and why early diagnosis and treatment are important.
2. Describe how AD can be distinguished from other forms of dementia such as vascular dementia.
3. Name the basic tools a primary care provider can use for the diagnosis of AD.
4. Explain how treatment of AD can facilitate the management of other comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma.
5. Discuss the non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions currently available to treat AD, treatment expectations, and the benefits of treatment vs. non-treatment.

Continuing Education | Symposia

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Mary C. Love, M.A.
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