Objective:

To evaluate the impact of a multimodal educational initiative on clinician knowledge and competence in recognizing and managing agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (AADAD).

Background:

While FDA approved treatments for AADAD are now available; they are underutilized in care. Additionally, screening tools are often inconsistently applied, leading to diagnostic delays, caregiver overwhelm, and greater risk of institutionalization.

Design/Methods:

The initiative comprised three sequential components. The first was a national online practice-pattern survey of neurologists and psychiatrists to identify barriers in care. This informed a patient-centered roundtable discussion (panelists included an expert neurologist, psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, social worker, occupational and recreational therapists, and caregivers), which in turn formed the basis of a four-module CME curriculum, highlighting strategies to optimize early identification, treatment selection, and team-based care. Educational impact was assessed through pre- and post-tests and intended practice changes. Chi-square tests compared responses (P < 0.05; pre/post).

Results:

Survey results (n = 120) found only 22% of clinicians felt prepared to counsel patients on new therapies and few routinely used validated screening tools. Roundtable participants emphasized the need for consistent terminology and structured caregiver engagement. Overall, 3,205 clinicians participated in the CME modules (51% psychiatry/geriatric medicine, 19% neurology, 8% primary care, 22% other). Mean post-test scores improved by 16%-31% (P < .05). Improvements related to awareness of AADAD symptoms and screening tools (21%-29%), understanding of AADAD pathophysiology (16%-23%), and correct application of novel therapies (31%). Sixty-five percent of neurologists and 75% of psychiatrists reported greater likelihood of multidisciplinary collaboration.

Conclusions:

This multimodal educational initiative improved clinician knowledge and competence in recognizing and managing AADAD, supporting more consistent, evidence-based management. Ongoing education is needed to sustain these gains and translate them into improved outcomes for patients and caregivers.