In today's episode, hosts Dr. Raj Shah and Dr. Eukesh Ranjit revisit foundational lessons on Alzheimer's diagnosis, stressing the importance of practical techniques and understanding the critical role of office staff and caregivers in recognizing early signs. Primary Care physicians gain insights into evaluating cognitive issues, medication lists, mood, and essential diagnostic tests.
Hosts: Raj Shah, MD. Professor, Family & Preventive Medicine and the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University and
Eukesh Ranjit, MD, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Director, Division of Geriatric Medicine at SIU Center for Family Medicine in Springfield, IL
Learning Objectives:
(1) Provide one key lesson learned about ADRD early diagnosis and detection in primary care from the Brain Trust series.
(2) Provide one potential future development that may alter early diagnosis and detection in primary care.
Podcast hosts delve deep into the invaluable community support systems that play a pivotal role in dementia care, particularly in diverse and rural communities. Discover how family involvement, daily activities, and multidisciplinary team efforts can transform the journey of dementia patients. Learn from our experts about the necessity of early conversations and how community partnerships and upcoming innovations can enhance patient outcomes. Join us for an episode filled with actionable insights and compassionate care strategies for a growing and urgent healthcare need.
This CME activity will meet the State of Illinois Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physician License Renewal for Recognizing Dementia. Every licensed healthcare professional has direct patient interaction with adults age 26 and above must take one hour of training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Accreditation
The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA PRA Category 1 – The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians designates each Online enduring material for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credit™

Visit The Brain Trust project to claim CME credit for this podcast, listen to other episodes, and view the toolkit for resources on managing Alzheimer’s and other related dementia’s in your practice.

In today’s episode host Raj Shah, MD is joined by Susan Frick, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, to talk with caregiver Jeanne as she shares her heartrending experience recognizing her husband John's early signs of Alzheimer's. Jeanne talks about profound changes to simple tasks, like dressing and driving, when faced with this disease. We walk through the emotions of detection and diagnosis, highlighting the indispensable role of primary care doctors and the essential support needed for care partners like Jeanne. This is the fifth episode in The Brain Trust Caregiver Miniseries which addresses issues faced by caregivers dealing with the cognitive decline of their loved ones.
Learning Objectives:
•Identify one challenge care partners experience in seeking a primary care evaluation.
•Describe one desire from care partners regarding improving early diagnosis and detection.
Host: Raj Shah, MD. Professor, Family & Preventive Medicine and the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University
Guests: Susan Frick, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
Jeanne, caregiver

This CME activity will meet the State of Illinois Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physician License Renewal for Recognizing Dementia. Every licensed healthcare professional has direct patient interaction with adults age 26 and above must take one hour of training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Accreditation
The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA PRA Category 1 – The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians designates each Online enduring material for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credit™
Claim CME credit by completing the posttest, evaluation & credit claim here.

Visit The Brain Trust project to claim CME credit for this podcast, listen to other episodes, and view the toolkit for resources on managing Alzheimer’s and other related dementia’s in your practice.

When your world revolves around the delicate balance of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's, each day can bring a torrent of emotions and challenges. That's the reality James Litchfield faced when his father, Buddy, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. Host Dr. Raj Shah and Susan Frick from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center talk about the early warning signs, the gripping fear when Buddy got lost while driving, and the struggle of managing care from a distance. James's candid narrative is a familiar story for primary care clinicians and caregivers alike, highlighting the critical role of early detection and compassionate, comprehensive healthcare support.

As James recounts the transition to a new care team in Illinois, we uncover the emotional toll and life-altering effects of caregiving take center stage as we acknowledge the support systems that are needed to weather this storm. Through James's eyes, we learn the invaluable lessons that emerge from the struggle, the resilience built from hardship, and the shared humanity that binds us in times of need.
Learning Objectives:
•Identify one challenge care partners experience in seeking a primary care evaluation.
•Describe one desire from care partners regarding improving early diagnosis and detection.
Host: Raj Shah, MD. Professor, Family & Preventive Medicine and the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University
Guests: Susan Frick, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
James, caregiver

This CME activity will meet the State of Illinois Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physician License Renewal for Recognizing Dementia. Every licensed healthcare professional has direct patient interaction with adults age 26 and above must take one hour of training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Accreditation
The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA PRA Category 1 – The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians designates each Online enduring material for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credit™
Claim CME credit by completing the posttest, evaluation & credit claim here.

Visit The Brain Trust project to claim CME credit for this podcast, listen to other episodes, and view the toolkit for resources on managing Alzheimer’s and other related dementia’s in your practice.

When Leslie first noticed her husband Phil's memory lapses and moments of disorientation, little did she know that these were signs of younger-onset Alzheimer's disease. In our heartfelt discussion with Leslie, Dr. Raj Shah and social worker Susan Frick, traverse the intricate realities of early signs of Alzheimer's. Leslie discusses the day-to-day changes and the uphill battle in convincing even those closest to her of the gravity of Phil's condition.
Leslie recounts the emotional whirlwind surrounding the diagnosis of dementia. She sheds light on the initial denial, the pivotal moments that necessitated medical advice, and a cognitive test that confirmed the issues Phil was experiencing. This episode not only resonates with the experiences of countless families worldwide, but it also emphasizes the importance of support systems for caregivers and the urgent need for more empathetic healthcare support. Join us as we share Leslie's story, a testament to the resilience of those who care for loved ones with dementia, and an eye-opening look at the critical importance of early detection and understanding.
Learning Objectives:
•Identify one challenge care partners experience in seeking a primary care evaluation.
•Describe one desire from care partners regarding improving early diagnosis and detection.
Host: Raj Shah, MD. Professor, Family & Preventive Medicine and the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University
Guests: Susan Frick, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
Leslie, caregiver

This CME activity will meet the State of Illinois Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physician License Renewal for Recognizing Dementia. Every licensed healthcare professional has direct patient interaction with adults age 26 and above must take one hour of training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Accreditation
The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA PRA Category 1 – The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians designates each Online enduring material for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credit™
Claim CME credit by completing the posttest, evaluation & credit claim here.

Visit The Brain Trust project to claim CME credit for this podcast, listen to other episodes, and view the toolkit for resources on managing Alzheimer’s and other related dementia’s in your practice.

When Donna's husband, Scott, began showing signs of young-onset Alzheimer's, their world turned upside down. Their story, shared with raw honesty in our latest podcast episode, brings to light the harsh reality of seeking an accurate diagnosis for Alzheimer's, particularly in younger individuals. Their journey through a maze of dismissive attitudes and misdiagnoses is a testament to the struggle that many face in the face of this daunting disease. Alongside hosts Dr. Raj Shah and Susan Frick of the Rush Alzheimer's Center, we gain a perspective on the emotional and systemic hurdles in rural caregiving, and the profound difference that a supportive community can make.

This episode not only traverses the path of recognition and acceptance of Alzheimer's but also delves into the aftermath of caregiving—a topic too often overlooked. Her reflections on the value of hospice care and the integrated team approach needed in primary care resonate with anyone who has faced, or is facing, a similar battle. Join us as we honor the journey of caregivers like Donna and uncover the unwavering strength it takes to navigate the challenges of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Learning Objectives:
•Identify one challenge care partners experience in seeking a primary care evaluation.
•Describe one desire from care partners regarding improving early diagnosis and detection.
Host: Raj Shah, MD. Professor, Family & Preventive Medicine and the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University
Guests: Susan Frick, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
Donna, caregiver

This CME activity will meet the State of Illinois Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physician License Renewal for Recognizing Dementia. Every licensed healthcare professional has direct patient interaction with adults age 26 and above must take one hour of training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Accreditation
The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA PRA Category 1 – The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians designates each Online enduring material for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credit™
Claim CME credit by completing the posttest, evaluation & credit claim here.

Visit The Brain Trust project to claim CME credit for this podcast, listen to other episodes, and view the toolkit for resources on managing Alzheimer’s and other related dementia’s in your practice.

The Brain Trust Caregiver Mini-Series brings you into the quiet strength of Alzheimer's/Dementia care partners, as Dr. Raj Shah and social worker Susan Frick from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center guide us through the delicate tapestry of caregiving. When the familiar fabric of life begins to unravel with the onset of Alzheimer's, it falls on the shoulders of caregivers like Katrina Miller to reweave a sense of normalcy. Ms. Miller grants us access to her world, sharing the profound challenges and unexpected joys found in her role as her husband's caregiver.
This mini-series addresses issues faced by caregivers dealing with the cognitive decline of their loved ones. The discussion centers on diagnosis, management, and the crucial role a primary care physician plays to enable an integrated approach of support for care partners of patients with ADRD.

Learning Objectives:
•Identify one challenge caregivers experience in seeking a primary care evaluation.
•Describe one desire from care partners regarding improving early diagnosis and detection.

Host: Raj Shah, MD. Professor, Family & Preventive Medicine and the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University
Guests: Susan Frick, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
Katrina Miller, caregiver

This CME activity will meet the State of Illinois Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physician License Renewal for Recognizing Dementia. Every licensed healthcare professional has direct patient interaction with adults age 26 and above must take one hour of training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Accreditation
The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA PRA Category 1 – The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians designates each Online enduring material for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credit™
Claim CME credit by completing the posttest, evaluation & credit claim here.

Visit The Brain Trust project to claim CME credit for this podcast, listen to other episodes, and view the toolkit for resources on managing Alzheimer’s and other related dementia’s in your practice.

In our latest Brain Trust podcast episode, Dr. Raj Shah chats with Dr. Tonja Austin, family physician and assistant professor from Rush University. Dr. Austin shares her valuable insights, stemming from her extensive, frontline experience within the African-American community in an area commonly referred to as Illinois Southland. They delve into this community's unique characteristics, barriers they face, and most importantly, the necessity of fostering trust and providing education as key tools for empowerment.

Our conversation navigates through the stories of early diagnosis, shining a light on its vital role in alleviating anxiety and facilitating informed decision-making for patients and their loved ones. We also discuss the unique struggles and resources available for African-American patients in Illinois' Southland region.

Learning Objectives:
1.Describe one common barrier to early detection and diagnosis of ADRD faced by primary care physicians serving African American communities.
2.Name one way to overcome a barrier to early detection and diagnosis of ADRD

Host: Raj Shah, MD. Professor, Family & Preventive Medicine and the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University
Guests: Tonja Austin, MD, Assistant Professor, Family & Preventive Medicine, Rush University

This CME activity will meet the State of Illinois Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physician License Renewal for Recognizing Dementia. Every licensed healthcare professional has direct patient interaction with adults age 26 and above must take one hour of training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Accreditation

The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA PRA Category 1 – The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians designates each Online enduring material for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credit™

Claim CME credit by completing the posttest, evaluation & credit claim here.

Visit The Brain Trust project to claim CME credit for this podcast, listen to other episodes, and view the toolkit for resources on managing Alzheimer’s and other related dementia’s in your practice.

Connecting Primary Care Practices with Community Health Workers: Advancing Early Detection and Diagnosis of ADRD. Join hosts Raj Shah, MD and Eukesh Ranjit, MD as they discuss the importance of connecting Primary Care Practices with Community Health Workers to advance early detection and diagnosis of ADRD. They chat with Tracey Smith, Director of Community Health at the Illinois Public Health Association, and Angelia Gower, the first VP of the NAACP in Madison, Illinois to discuss the nature of community health workers, their importance in communities with limited resources, and the importance of connecting with primary care physicians.

We talk about potential collaborations with organizations like the Alzheimer's Association and Washington University to bring resources to the community. Tune in as we explore the experience of community-based organizations working with primary care physicians in underserved communities and discuss how community health workers can partner with local family medicine physicians to improve early detection of ADRD.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe two ways to incorporate CHWs into primary care practices in health systems

2. Discuss barriers that systems must address to integrate CHWs

The Brain Trust is a project administered by the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians. Funding for this website made possible by a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Visit The Brain Trust project to claim CME credit for this podcast, listen to other episodes, and view the toolkit for resources on managing Alzheimer’s and other related dementia’s in your practice.