Current and Emerging Solutions to Challenges in the Management of Alzheimer's Disease.

​​​​Effective multifactorial management of Alzheimer's disease (AD) requires a triadic alliance of the clinician, the patient, and the patient's family and/or care partner(s). During the evaluation process and when the diagnosis of AD is delivered, these parties must work together to set goals and develop care plans. Care plans should be designed to help the patient maintain safety and autonomy as long as he or she can and, once autonomy is no longer possible, to allow the patient and care partner(s) to experience as much comfort and the best possible quality of life for as long as possible. In this Academic Highlights, faculty members from neurology, psychiatry, neuropsychology, and primary care share their recommendations, supported by current evidence and guidelines, for handling the complexities of providing care for patients with AD.

Cognitive Assessment of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementias in Clinical Practice: Pragmatics of Brief Instruments and Neuropsychological Evaluation.

Detection of cognitive impairment and dementia (CID) through the use of brief cognitive assessment tools (BCATs) is the first step to establishing an accurate diagnosis and care plan for individuals seen in primary practices. While the cognitive-behavioral syndrome and underlying etiology may not be readily apparent through brief assessment, clinicians can refer patients for a more comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. A timely diagnosis maximizes the potential for patients to be involved in decision-making and planning for their future, and allows for expedited intervention and harm reduction. This activity provides a practical review of validated and standardized BCATs that can aid in the detection of CID; reviews cognitive and neuropsychological domains and their clinical relevance; and delineates circumstances for referral to neuropsychology and the utility of neuropsychological evaluation to practicing clinicians.