New Dementia Care Model Aims to Cut Three-Year Diagnosis Wait
The University of Kansas Health System has launched the “Brain Health Care Accelerator,” a clinical model designed to shift dementia diagnosis and treatment from specialized neurology clinics to primary care settings. According to Jeffrey Burns, M.D., co-director of the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, this approach addresses a national average diagnosis delay of three and a half years, which often disqualifies patients from accessing FDA-approved, disease-modifying Alzheimer’s medications that require early intervention.
Why is the current Alzheimer’s diagnosis process failing patients?
The traditional “refer-and-wait” model often results in significant delays that prevent patients from receiving timely care. According to Dr. Burns, the standard process involves a primary care physician ordering initial tests before referring the patient to a neurologist. Due to a limited supply of trained specialists, patients often wait months for an appointment, by which time their condition may have progressed beyond the window for effective treatment. With the Alzheimer’s Association projecting that 13.8 million Americans aged 65 and older will have the disease by 2060, the current reliance on specialized neurologists is becoming increasingly unsustainable for the healthcare system.
The average time to receive a formal dementia diagnosis in the United States is currently three and a half years. This delay is a primary driver for the development of new, faster diagnostic models.
How does the Brain Health Care Accelerator work?
The Brain Health Care Accelerator integrates cognitive screening and diagnostic tools directly into the primary care workflow. As described in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the model uses electronic health record (EHR) decision tools to guide physicians through evidence-based evaluations, including cognitive questionnaires and blood-based biomarkers. Jennifer Woodward, M.D., MPH, a primary care physician at KU Medical Center, notes that these tools allow primary care providers to confidently interpret test results and initiate treatment protocols without immediate specialist intervention. When complex cases arise, providers utilize a “quick electronic consultation” with the university’s memory clinic to ensure continuity of care.
Can primary care teams handle specialized dementia care?
The model relies on a team-based approach rather than individual physician effort. By incorporating nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, and social workers, the program distributes the clinical burden of monitoring and support. According to the research published by the KU team, this structure allows for the creation of specialized subclinics tailored to specific patient needs—such as those eligible for new medications versus those requiring counseling or support for atypical syndromes. This diversification of care paths has already resulted in a 60% increase in patient visits at the KU memory clinic, demonstrating the capacity for higher volume through process optimization.
If you or a family member are concerned about memory loss, ask your primary care physician specifically about the availability of cognitive screening tools or blood-based biomarker tests, which are increasingly replacing more invasive diagnostic procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are blood tests now available for Alzheimer’s disease?
Yes. The FDA has approved blood tests that indicate the likelihood of a patient developing dementia, providing a less invasive alternative to traditional diagnostic methods like PET scans or spinal taps.
Why is early diagnosis important for Alzheimer’s patients?
Early diagnosis is critical because the newly approved Alzheimer’s drugs are specifically indicated for patients in the early stages of the disease. Once the disease progresses, these medications are often no longer effective.
Does this new model replace the need for neurologists?
No. The model shifts the initial diagnostic and routine management workload to primary care teams to increase efficiency. Specialized neurologists remain essential for complex cases, atypical syndromes, and advanced clinical support.
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