Clinical Manifestations

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Primary Care Medicine
• Healthcare Systems

Background:

• The advent of blood-based biomarkers (e.g., ptau217) and anti-amyloid therapies necessitates earlier dementia detection in primary care.
• Primary care providers (PCPs) often face challenges incorporating these advancements due to limited tools, training, and time.
• The University of Kansas Health System (UKHS) developed a system-wide model to address these challenges and improve dementia care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a health-system-wide model aimed at empowering PCPs for earlier and more systematic dementia detection.
• To integrate innovations like blood biomarkers and collaborative care into routine primary care practice.
• To enhance diagnostic confidence and streamline dementia care pathways.

Main Methods:

• The Brain Health Care Accelerator program integrates standardized workflows, clinical decision support, blood biomarker testing (ptau217), and collaborative care.
• Key components include a "Cognitive Assessment Visit" template and specialized referral pathways to memory care sub-clinics.
• Collaborative care models ensure PCPs remain central, with options for e-consultation, complex diagnostics, anti-amyloid treatment, and long-term memory support.

Main Results:

• Systematic data collection on time-to-diagnosis, referral, treatment initiation, and service utilization is ongoing.
• Initial feedback shows high PCP interest and engagement.
• Qualitative assessments of program feasibility and acceptability are being conducted; adoption by UKHS Family Medicine is planned for mid-2025.

Conclusions:

• The implemented model empowers PCPs with decision support, biomarkers, and collaborative pathways to enhance diagnostic accuracy and access to care.
• This approach bridges primary and specialty memory care, offering a scalable solution for rising dementia care demands and specialist shortages.