Researchers and clinicians at Indiana University School of Medicine are finding better ways to care for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in primary care. They're spearheading innovations in early detection and diagnostic pathways. More than half of primary care patients with dementia remain undiagnosed, and a late diagnosis worsens cognitive, functional and behavioral symptoms. Managing these symptoms increases stress for primary care providers and caregivers, and undiagnosed dementia leads to unnecessary suffering and poor quality of life. Clinicians and researchers at IU School of Medicine collaborate between clinical departments and divisions — Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Palliative Care, Neurology — and academic institutes — the Center for Aging Research at the Regenstrief Institute and the Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders at the Neuroscience Institute — to combat significant inequities in detection, diagnosis, care and access to clinical trials.
Clinical Expertise
Center for Aging Research
The Center for Aging Research at the Regenstrief Institute produces world-class interdisciplinary research that informs the scientific community, partners with providers, and betters the lives of patients and caregivers.
Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative
IU School of Medicine is part of the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC), a public-private alliance uniting organizations worldwide in hopes of accelerating breakthroughs and equipping health care systems to end Alzheimer’s disease.
Aging Brain Care Program
The Aging Brain Care (ABC) program is an evidence-based population brain health management program that uses an interdisciplinary care team to improve the brain health of adults at risk for cognitive impairment or those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
National Biomarker Consortium
The Alzheimer’s Diagnosis in Older Adults with Chronic Conditions (ADACC) Network, a multi-institution effort, studies the use, interpretation and implementation of biomarkers to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease.
Clinical innovation experts
Deanna R. Willis, MD
Family Medicine Professor of Primary Care and Population Health Research
Interview an Alzheimer's Disease Expert
Schedule an interview with an IU School of Medicine faculty member or request materials and resources about Alzheimer’s disease research by contacting the IU School of Medicine media relations team.