Primary care clinicians play a crucial role in identifying and diagnosing various health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease. With the right tools and resources at our disposal, we have the power to make a basic diagnosis and get patients on the path to treatment and care.
The first step in making an Alzheimer's diagnosis is to take a complete medical history, perform a physical and neurological examination, and gather relevant blood work and scans. In-office cognitive testing and referral to a neuropsychologist can also provide valuable information.
Additionally, some questionnaires and assessments can be given to patients or their families while they wait in the waiting room. These tools can provide valuable insights into the presence of Alzheimer's disease and help guide our diagnosis.
As primary care clinicians, we have a vital role in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. By utilizing the tools and resources available to us, we can make a real difference in the lives of our patients.
Andrew E. Budson is a neurologist.
Sponsored by the Academy for Continued Healthcare Learning, with a special thanks to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago.
Link in bio or visit kevinmd.com/podcast
#AlzheimersDisease #PrimaryCareProviders #Diagnosis #MedicalHistory #CognitiveTesting #EarlyDetection
SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast
RATE AND REVIEW → https://www.kevinmd.com/rate
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM → https://www.instagram.com/kevinphomd
FOLLOW ON TIKTOK → https://www.tiktok.com/@kevinphomd
