Advances in Diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease and Emerging Treatment Targets

Great strides in research on Alzheimer disease diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets have taken place over the past 2 decades. Listen as Dr Goldfarb highlights exciting developments.

Learning Objective

Use appropriate diagnostic tools for patients with suspected Alzheimer disease

Target Audience

Psychiatrists, Primary Care Physicians, Neurologists, Physicians Assistants and Nurse Practitioners specializing in neurology or psychiatry

Abstract

Until recently, the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) could not be truly made until an autopsy was done. Patients’ diagnosis relied on clinicians’ skills to recognize signs and symptoms of AD, and the diagnosis was often incorrect. The rate of misdiagnosis was higher in earlier disease stages when symptoms are milder. Researchers have made great strides over the past 2 decades in identifying diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets. Can AD now be diagnosed before patients show symptoms? What do potential treatments look like? This CME presentation highlights exciting developments.

To cite: Goldfarb D. Advances in diagnosis of Alzheimer disease and emerging treatment targets. J Clin Psychiatry. 2021;82(3):LI19012AS1C.
To share: https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.LI19012AS1C
© Copyright 2021 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.

Target Audience

Psychiatrists, Primary Care Physicians, Neurologists, Physicians Assistants and Nurse Practitioners specializing in neurology or psychiatry

Learning Objectives

  • Use appropriate diagnostic tools for patients with suspected Alzheimer disease
Activity summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 Participation
Activity opens: 
04/26/2021
Activity expires: 
04/30/2023
Cost:
$0.00
Rating: 
0

Support Statement

This activity is supported by an educational grant from Lilly. For further information concerning Lilly grant funding visit www.lillygrantoffice.com.

Learning Objective

After completing this educational activity, you should be able to:

  • Use appropriate diagnostic tools for patients with suspected AD

Release, Review, and Expiration Dates

This brief report activity was published in April 2021 and is eligible for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ through April 30, 2023. The latest review of this material was March 2021.

Statement of Need and Purpose

Clinicians have reported difficulty in differentiating Alzheimer disease from other dementias and may be unaware of the utility of new diagnostic testing. Therefore, education on using new diagnostic strategies that improve differential diagnosis is needed. This activity was designed to meet the needs of participants in CME activities provided by the CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc., who have requested information on dementia.

Disclosure of Off-Label Usage

Dr Goldfarb has determined that, to the best of her knowledge, aducanamab*, gantenerumab, BAN2401, crenezumab, solanezumab, plasma exchange with albumin replacement, and pimavanserin are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Alzheimer disease and related dementia.

*Note: On June 7, 2021, after publication of this activity, the FDA approved aducanumab for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer disease.

Review Process

The faculty members agreed to provide a balanced and evidence-based presentation and discussed the topics and CME objectives during the planning sessions. The faculty’s submitted content was validated by CME Institute staff, and the activity was evaluated for accuracy, use of evidence, and fair balance by the Chair and a peer reviewer who is without conflict of interest.

Acknowledgment

This activity is derived from the teleconference series “Advances in Diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease and Emerging Treatment Targets,” which was held September–October 2020 and supported by an educational grant from Lilly. The opinions expressed herein are those of the faculty and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the CME provider and publisher or the commercial supporter.

Faculty Affiliation

Danielle Goldfarb, MD
Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, and Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, Arizona
 

Financial Disclosure

The faculty for this CME activity and the CME Institute staff were asked to complete a statement regarding all relevant personal and financial relationships between themselves or their spouse/partner and any commercial interest. The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) defines a commercial interest as any entity producing, marketing, re-selling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients. The ACCME defines relevant financial relationships as financial relationships in any amount occurring within the past 12 months that create a conflict of interest. The CME Institute has resolved any conflicts of interest that were identified. No member of the CME Institute staff reported any relevant personal financial relationships. Faculty financial disclosure is as follows:

Dr Goldfarb has no personal affiliations or financial relationships with any commercial interest to disclose relative to the activity.

Accreditation Statement

The CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc., is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation

The CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc., designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Note: The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accept certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME.

To obtain credit for this activity, study the material and complete the CME Posttest and Evaluation.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 Participation

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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