Role of Health Professionals
Healthcare professionals are often the initial points of contact for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or Related Dementia (ADRD). Recognizing the subtleties of these conditions is pivotal for early detection and precise diagnosis. Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) pose intricate challenges for healthcare providers. Establishing effective treatment protocols is vital for symptom management, enhancing patient care, and ultimately, elevating quality of life.
Diagnosing, treating, and caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias requires a comprehensive approach that involves collaboration among family members, medical professionals, other health service providers, communities, and various stakeholders. Cultural competence and understanding of social determinants of health play pivotal roles in this process. Especially, in high burden and high-risk communities such as Black/African Americans and Latino/Hispanic communities.
By addressing social determinants of health, such as access to care, economic stability, housing, and social support systems, health care professionals can enhance the quality of life and overall outcomes for people living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Recognizing the impact of cultural backgrounds and social contexts on health care decisions and experiences fosters trust and strengthens the therapeutic alliance between patients, families, and care providers.
Additional Resources
- Healthy Brain Virginia Provider Toolkit
- Bold Early Detection Toolkit
- Virginia Dementia State Plan
- Virginia Dementia Registry: The Virginia Memory Project *Note all responses are kept anonymous.
- Cognitive Impairment Care Planning Toolkit
- Community Health Worker ADRD Training *Registration fee is waived for Virginia users when register and enter your zip code.
- Integrating Alzheimer's Messages into Chronic Disease Programs
- Brain Health as You Age: You Can Make a Difference!
- Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Resources for Professionals
- Cognitive assessment tests *Disclaimer: VDH does not endorse specific assessment tools.
- National Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center
- Webinar: Methods and Techniques for Early Dementia Screening for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Talking With Your Patients About Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Clinical Trials
- Understanding Different Types of Dementia
- Needs Assessment Toolkit for Dementia, Cognitive Health and Caregiving
- Healthy Brain Resource Center | The Healthy Brain Resource Center
- Addressing Financial Exploitation Among People Living with Cognitive Impairment and Their Caregivers
- Policy Brief: Early Detection and Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Dementia
- Special Report: Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer's in America