Cognitive Care

Confidence & Compassion

Cognitive Care for Family Medicine Physicians

There are 57 million people with dementia worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, with nearly 10 million new cases each year. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-70% of cases. Dementia care is already a primary care issue with more than half of family physicians reporting that dementia specialist shortages in their communities leave patients without adequate referral options. This places early detection and care coordination squarely in the family medicine setting. 

Recognizing early signs and responding with the right tools and language can meaningfully change a patient's trajectory. Cognitive health spans the entire lifespan, from prevention and early recognition in midlife to the management of complex neurodegenerative conditions later in life. That's why ACOFP, with support from Eli Lilly and Company, launched a comprehensive cognitive care program to educate family physicians throughout 2026.

"Cognitive care intervention frequently occurs too late — after a patient reaches a point when they can no longer reasonably care for themselves or make decisions. The reluctance to have these conversations is understandable, but delay has real consequences. An early diagnosis opens doors that a late one cannot: the opportunity to explore lifestyle interventions, discuss emerging treatment options, and ensure patients can still speak for themselves about the care they want."  

Lynn M. Wilson, DO, FACOFP, FAAFP, AGSF, DipABLM

What to Expect From the Program

There will be a series of excellent materials available for ACOFP members and their patients. Check back often for the latest release, such as:

• Caregiver Handout: A nonclinical resource designed to be shared directly with patients and families.
  
• Clinical Companion Guide: A physician-facing tool to help structure conversations and support compassionate, informed care.
  
• Micro-learning video series: Four videos on high-priority topics in cognitive care.
  

Read the Blog Series

This is an ongoing collection of interviews and perspectives from family physicians, caregivers, pharmacology experts, and association leaders, including the Alzheimer's Association. Each installment will tackle a different dimension of cognitive care as it plays out in primary practice. 

• New ACOFP Program Aims to Strengthen Cognitive Care in Family Medicine
• Closing the Gap: How Eli Lilly and Company Are Helping Bring Cognitive Care Resources to ACOFP Members

Thank you to our program sponsor!