Blood-Based Clarity: Navigating an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis with Confidence is a CME activity designed for primary care physicians, general neurologists, nurse practitioners, and physician associates involved in cognitive health care across the aging spectrum. As first-line health care professionals, these clinicians are well positioned to recognize early signs of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) yet often face challenges in distinguishing it from normal aging. Diagnostic uncertainty can delay appropriate intervention, care planning, and treatment. This activity explores the growing role of blood-based biomarkers (BBMs) in detecting early AD pathology and offers practical guidance on incorporating them into clinical workflows. Participants will learn how to identify appropriate patients for testing, interpret BBM results, and determine when referral to a specialist is warranted—supporting earlier diagnosis, informed decision-making, and improved outcomes.

Objectives: 1. Distinguish between normal aging and early cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by integrating comprehensive evaluation frameworks in accordance with guideline recommendations 2. Describe the role of biomarkers in detecting pathological changes associated with early AD 3. Identify appropriate patients for blood biomarker testing to detect amyloid pathology 4. Interpret blood biomarker test results and determine when referral to a specialist is warranted for further evaluation

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are nearly universal and often drive the use of psychotropic medications—frequently with limited benefit and significant risk. This session provides a practical, evidence-based framework for evaluating and managing BPSD while minimizing overmedication and preserving patient safety, dignity, and quality of life. Using real-world cases and the DICE approach (Describe, Investigate, Create, Evaluate), participants will learn to identify reversible causes such as delirium, pain, medication effects, and environmental triggers before initiating pharmacologic treatment. The session emphasizes person-centered, non-pharmacologic strategies as first-line interventions and outlines when medications are appropriate, how to select them thoughtfully, and how to monitor and deprescribe safely. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to reduce polypharmacy, improve care outcomes, and confidently manage complex behavioral presentations in patients with dementia.

Objectives: 1. Analyze the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) and health disparities on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) by identifying at least three contributing factors and integrating at least two practical strategies within the PA scope of practice to reduce disparities and improve patient-centered outcomes. 2. Apply the DICE (Describe, Investigate, Create, Evaluate) framework in the assessment of BPSD by identifying at least two reversible or modifiable contributors (e.g., delirium, pain, medication effects, environmental triggers) and developing a targeted, non-pharmacologic management plan. 3. Evaluate and implement appropriate pharmacologic interventions for BPSD when indicated by performing a risk–benefit analysis, selecting evidence-based treatment, and establishing a monitoring and deprescribing plan that includes defined safety parameters and reassessment timelines.

This lecture offers a review of the cranial nerves (I–XII), covering their primary functions and examination techniques. Attendees will learn to identify and interpret common abnormal findings associated with cranial nerve disorders. The session will also highlight prevalent barriers to health care access and discuss practical strategies to address these challenges.

Objectives: 1. Describe the primary functions of each cranial nerve (I–XII) 2. Demonstrate step-by-step methods for performing a comprehensive cranial nerve examination. 3. Identify and interpret common abnormal findings associated with cranial nerve disorders. 4. Discuss some prevalent barriers to accessing health care, and strategies to address each barrier.

Recent advances in disease-modifying therapies have intensified the need for targeted education on the evaluation and management of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Expanding knowledge will strengthen routine cognitive assessment, promote appropriate use of diagnostic tools such as biomarker testing, deepen understanding of available treatments, and clarify when referral to specialty care is appropriate. At the same time, the growing demand for dementia care specialists underscores the essential role of primary care clinicians in recognizing and managing early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease—including MCI due to AD and mild AD dementia.

Objectives: 1. Implement structured approaches to screening and evaluating diagnosing MCI and dementia due to AD in adults at risk for cognitive decline. 2. Select appropriate AD biomarker tests and interpret their results to guide eligibility and referral amyloid-targeting therapies in patients with MCI or mild dementia due to AD. 3. Formulate individualized pharmacologic treatment plans for MCI and mild dementia due to AD, based on patient characteristics and preferences.