Early Alzheimer's disease patient care pathway and health system readiness: A framework for integrated care

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is often underdiagnosed, especially at early stages when symptoms are mild, and patients may benefit from new and recently approved anti-amyloid therapies. An updated patient care pathway may facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention. We conducted a scan of published information and convened an expert panel of health care professionals to gain insights on early AD care pathways. We developed an Early AD Patient Care Pathway as an implementation guide that includes new diagnostic and treatment modalities and addresses needs and opportunities. The Early AD Patient Care Pathway focuses on patient identification, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management and monitoring. Operational readiness considerations aid pathway implementation and include evaluating and addressing gaps in program and business planning, technology, education and resources, access and reimbursement, and care coordination. The pathway is adaptable to health system needs and may be further tested and refined for sustainability.

We analyzed published information and insights from subject matter experts on care pathways for early Alzheimer's disease.We identified opportunities to improve screening of at-risk patients, make appropriate specialist referrals, and ensure timely access and care coordination for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring as a means of incorporating the latest diagnostics and therapy options.We developed a care pathway that promotes an integrated approach to patient care and is adaptable to various healthcare settings with input from subject matter experts.