Top takeaways for PCPs from Alzheimer’s Association International Conference

The annual Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, touted as the largest forum for dementia research, recently wrapped up in London.

Topics discussed included detecting cognitive impairment, preventing and assessing dementia, improving Alzheimer’s disease through therapy and new drugs and more.

As a service to its readers, Healio Internal Medicine provides some of the top takeaways from this year’s event.

Nonelective hospitalizations may accelerate cognitive decline in older adults

Although elective hospitalizations were not significantly related to a decline in cognitive function among older adults, emergency hospitalizations were associated with a rapid acceleration in cognitive decline. Read More.

Annual wellness visits underutilized to detect cognitive impairment

Only about 12% of Medicare beneficiaries underwent an annual wellness visit in 2013. Read More.

Good dietary practices may reduce Alzheimer’s risk in old age

Practicing healthy eating habits can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk for dementia later in life. Read More.

Lancet Commission: 10 important ways to improve dementia prevention

A report from the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care identifies issues that physicians should be aware of to improve treatment and prevention of the disease. Read More.

Digital SAGE assessment accurate for early dementia

A digital version of the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination, a brief cognitive assessment, is effective for mild cognitive impairment and early dementia. Read More.

Analysis shows booming Alzheimer’s disease drug development

Twenty-seven Alzheimer’s disease drugs in phase 3 clinical trials and eight drugs in phase 2 trials could launch in the next 5 years. Read More.

Goal-oriented therapy improves quality of life, mood in early Alzheimer’s

Goal-oriented therapy improved mood and quality of life among individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Read More.

Comprehensive program plus medication more effective for functioning in Alzheimer’s disease

A comprehensive, individualized management program significantly improved functioning in moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease, compared with memantine treatment alone or placebo. Read More.