Director, Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center & IU Center for Neuroimaging Indiana University School of Medicine Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
The diagnosis, treatment and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) has undergone a radical transformation in recent years. 2023 brought several major developments including the FDA approval of Lecanemab, the first disease modifying therapy for AD that met its clinical endpoints in slowing progression. Additional approvals appear likely. At the same time there have been advances in screening and assessment, including digital tests and biomarkers, mobile assessments, and retinal measures, among other approaches. Progress has been rapid in the development of neuroimaging, CSF, and blood-based biomarkers for amyloid beta (A), phosphorylated tau (T), and neurodegeneration (N). The NIA-AA 2018 “A/T/N” framework for a biological definition of AD is now in the process of revision to incorporate co-pathologies including vascular (V), synuclein (S), and inflammatory (I) markers. Other biomarkers can be expected to follow. This session will review the latest developments including strengths, limitations, and research opportunities related to assessment and treatment approaches for AD/ADRD. New tools, concepts and forward-looking approaches pave the road for a precision medicine of brain health - and neuropsychology as a discipline must be prepared to contribute effectively to these advances.
Learning Objectives:
After the session, participants will be able to:
Explain current and emergent approaches to neuropsychological assessment for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD).
Describe the current understanding of AD/ADRD risk factors and pathology and how this could inform precision medicine.
Summarize the current FDA-approved disease modifying therapeutic options for AD.
Define the current generation of fluid and neuroimaging biomarkers for ADRD.
