“Early Detection in Primary Care: Implementing Early Detection of Cognitive Impairment in Primary Care to Improve Care for Older Adults”

Discover our peer-reviewed article developed through the Voices of Alzheimer’s Early Detection Initiative, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine: "Early Detection in Primary Care: Implementing Early Detection of Cognitive Impairment in Primary Care to Improve Care for Older Adults."

Co-authored by a cross-disciplinary team of more than a dozen leading experts, this landmark publication makes a compelling case for integrating routine cognitive screening into primary care—and offers practical, evidence-based guidance to help providers make it happen.

The article highlights how early detection—right at the primary care level—can lead to earlier diagnosis, better management of cognitive conditions, and improved quality of life for patients and their families.

This is especially urgent: over 40% of older adults showing signs of cognitive impairment remain undiagnosed, with the gap even wider in underserved communities where specialist access is limited.

Why this matters:

• Early detection opens the door to emerging treatments and support services

• Primary care is the most accessible touchpoint for older adults—especially those unlikely to see a specialist

• Routine screening reduces disparities and empowers individuals and families to plan for the future