The understanding, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are being transformed by developments in biomarker science. These technologies, which range from brain imaging to blood-based biomarkers and cerebrospinal fluid tests, offer encouraging opportunities for earlier and more precise detection, even before symptoms manifest. An introduction of new and developing biomarker and screening techniques, their clinical consequences, and ethical application into practice are covered in this course.

Learning Objectives

• List 6 or more modifiable risk factors for dementia.
• Define biomarkers and describe their role in the detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.
• Discuss how to integrate biomarker and screening information into patient-centered care and decision-making.
• Identify special considerations for high-risk populations.

Expert Presenters

Dr. Deanna Willis is the Professor of Primary Care and Population Health Research in the Department of Family Medicine and Vice Chair of Strategy and Implementation for the Department of Family Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. 

She received her medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and her Masters of Business Administration at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. She has been on faculty at IU School of Medicine since 1999. 

She served as Chief Medical Officer of Quality and Medical Management for Indiana University Medical Group-Primary Care from 2001-2012, co-Director of ResNet Practice Based Research Network from 2004-2011, and statewide competency director for the Social and Community Context of Healthcare Competency from 2007-2014. From 2013-2016, she was Transformation Officer/Senior Medical Director of Quality Improvement for IU Health Physicians. She served as Vice Chair of Research for the Department of Family Medicine from 2012 to present. She was Principal Investigator of the Indiana University/Indiana University Health Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative Health System Preparedness Early Detection Flagship site. As an implementation science expert, she has developed expertise in early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in primary care, including the use of blood biomarkers.

Dr. Jared Brosch, MD is a native of Fort Wayne, IN. He graduated from Purdue University with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering. He designed medical devices and participated in several small business technology grants with a small company in the Park 100 area of Indianapolis for 5 years and was awarded several patents. He returned to school and obtained his Medical Doctorate degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed internship at Ascension St. Vincent’s and Neurology residency training at Indiana University. Post-training Dr. Brosch has focused his career on the treatment of patients with cognitive and behavioral disorders. He has been the site-Principal Investigator for over 20 clinical trials in conjunction with major pharmaceutical companies and in partnerships with the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Health, and the Alzheimer’s association. He leads Indiana University’s Amyloid Treatment Program administering the newest FDA approved medications to patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. He is the clinical core leader for the NIH sponsored Indiana University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. He has authored and co-authored book chapters, journal articles, and multiple professional resources. He serves as an educator of Primary Care Physicians through the National Alzheimer’s Association ECHO program. He is a consultant for Teladoc, Eli Lilly, Eisai, Abbvie and UpToDate. His research interests include translational medicine and discovery of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease including work on the gut microbiome, and early detection and management of Alzheimer’s disease through primary care.