Front Line Assessment, Diagnosis, and Referral for Alzheimer Disease - Episode 1
Alzheimer Disease Pathophysiology and Treatments
Panelists discuss how advances in diagnostics and the emergence of disease-modifying therapies have transformed Alzheimer care by enabling earlier, more accurate diagnosis and proactive treatment strategies that improve both clinical outcomes and patients’ quality of life.
Over the past decade, the field of Alzheimer disease has undergone transformative advancements, particularly in diagnosis and treatment. Ten years ago, misdiagnosis was a significant issue—even clinical trial participants often lacked true Alzheimer pathology. Today, with the advent of advanced biomarkers and imaging techniques, diagnostic accuracy has dramatically improved, allowing researchers to select appropriate trial candidates. This precision has supported the development of the first disease-modifying therapies, marking a shift from purely symptomatic management to treatments that can alter the disease course at a biological level.
These innovations are reshaping patient care in tangible ways. The possibility of slowing disease progression creates new urgency and motivation for early detection. Patients now have a reason to seek evaluations sooner, opening the door to interventions that can preserve independence for longer. Early diagnosis and timely treatment may help individuals maintain higher levels of functioning—potentially allowing them to live at home, remain socially active, and continue driving. These are not just clinical gains but quality of life improvements that support dignity and autonomy.
On a biological level, Alzheimer is increasingly understood as a disorder of synaptic loss and network breakdown, driven by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. These pathological proteins disrupt normal cell communication and eventually lead to cell death. Recent understanding also highlights the role of neuroinflammation as a contributing factor. While genetic and lifestyle factors still influence the disease course, this refined model provides a more targeted foundation for developing therapies. As scientific insight deepens and treatments advance, patient care continues to shift toward earlier, more proactive, and biologically informed strategies.
