The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast

#511 Alzheimer's Disease: Updates in Diagnosis and Treatment

81 snips

Jan 12, 2026

Dr. Halima Amjad, a dementia specialist from Johns Hopkins, shares her insights on modern Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment. She discusses the significance of blood-based biomarkers and when to utilize them, emphasizing their role in identifying symptomatic patients. Amjad navigates the eligibility for anti-amyloid therapies, the importance of patient counseling, and the monitoring of potential risks like ARIA. With a mix of compassion and clinical rigor, she provides key takeaways for healthcare providers navigating this complex field.

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ANECDOTE

Triplets Sparked An Elementary School Memory

Halima Amjad remembered Matthew Watto from elementary school because her triplets were a clue.
She described parenting triplets as chaotic and a major life focus.

ADVICE

History And Testing Focus For Alzheimer’s

Focus history on short‑term memory, repetition, and functional change when suspecting Alzheimer's.
Use delayed recall on MOCA/MMSE and functional IADL decline to distinguish MCI from early dementia.

ADVICE

Image To Assess Vascular Contribution

Use brain imaging to evaluate vascular contributions when vascular risk factors exist.
MRI helps quantify small vessel disease and microhemorrhages that affect diagnosis and treatment decisions.

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Blood-based Biomarkers, Anti-Amyloid Therapies and Beyond

From blood-based biomarkers to anti-amyloid treatments, join us as we explore the latest in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and treatment with Dr. Halima Amjad. This episode will equip you to guide your patients about the latest Alzheimer’s diagnostics as well as eligibility, risks and monitoring for anti-amyloid therapies.

Intro
Case
Cognitive and functional history reminders
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease
Blood-based biomarkers
Anti-amyloid therapy indications, eligibility and contraindications
Patient counseling and treatment decisions
ARIA
Key takeaways
Outro

Credits

Written and Produced by: Natalie Barrett DO, Rachel K Miller MD
Show notes, cover art and infographic: Natalie Barrett DO, Rachel K Miller MD, Leah Witt MD
Hosts: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP
Reviewer: Sai S Achi MD, MBA,FACP
Showrunners: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP
Technical Production: PodPaste
Guest: Halima Amjad, MD

Disclosures

Dr. Amjad reports financial relationships with Centene (Advisor) and Craniometrix (Advisor). Relationships have not ended. The Curbsiders report no relevant financial disclosures.

The production of this episode was supported by the Penn Geriatrics AGE-SMART Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Grant. This podcast content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Health Resources and Services Administration or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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