Breakthrough Treatments in Dementing Illnesses

Alzheimer’s disease continues to represent one of the most complex and devastating challenges in neurology and geriatric medicine. With millions affected globally and limited curative options, advancements in early diagnosis and novel therapies offer renewed hope for patients and their caregivers. This CME/CE course explores cutting-edge approaches in diagnosing and managing dementing illnesses—especially Alzheimer’s disease—equipping healthcare professionals with the tools to apply evidence-based strategies in clinical care.

Participants will begin with an overview of advanced diagnostic techniques, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, amyloid PET imaging, and blood-based plasma biomarkers like p-tau217. These tools enhance diagnostic specificity, allowing clinicians to differentiate Alzheimer’s from other causes of dementia earlier in the disease process and inform treatment planning.

The course also covers the emerging role of amyloid antibody therapies such as aducanumab and lecanemab. Learners will evaluate the therapeutic rationale behind targeting beta-amyloid plaques, analyze trial data on efficacy and adverse events, and develop strategies for patient selection, monitoring, and shared decision-making.

Real-world implementation challenges are discussed, including access, cost, caregiver expectations, and coordination of care across specialties. The course reviews best practices for integrating these therapies into memory clinics and primary care settings, and emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to improve safety and effectiveness.

By course completion, participants will be able to navigate the evolving Alzheimer’s care landscape with confidence—leveraging innovations to detect disease earlier, personalize treatment, and enhance outcomes for individuals living with dementia.

Educational Objectives

• Understand the application of novel diagnostic tools, including biomarkers and neuroimaging, for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Evaluate the clinical risks and benefits of amyloid-targeting therapies such as monoclonal antibodies.
• Identify and address practical barriers to implementing new Alzheimer’s treatments in routine clinical practice.

Who Should Do This Course?

This course is designed for:

• Neurologists and Geriatricians managing dementia and cognitive decline.
• Internal Medicine and Primary Care Physicians providing frontline Alzheimer’s screening and care.
• Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants supporting long-term dementia treatment plans.
• Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Behavioral Health professionals addressing neuropsychiatric symptoms.
• Hospice, Palliative Care, and Rehabilitation teams involved in end-stage or supportive Alzheimer’s care.

It is especially valuable for memory clinic teams and professionals adopting new diagnostic technologies and therapies.

Did You Know?

• Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million people in the U.S. alone. (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023)
• CSF and blood biomarkers now allow Alzheimer’s diagnosis years before symptoms manifest. (JAMA Neurology, 2022)
• Amyloid-targeting monoclonal antibodies reduce plaque load, but also carry a 20%+ risk of ARIA. (NEJM, 2022)
• The cost of monoclonal antibody therapy can exceed $26,000 annually, not including imaging and monitoring. (CMS, 2023)
• Blood tests like p-tau217 and Aß42/40 ratio may revolutionize Alzheimer’s screening in primary care. (Lancet Neurology, 2021)