Documented follow‐up to memory concerns reported at the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) may improve timely detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), yet little is known about the frequency of follow-up on patient-reported memory concerns during the AWV. METHODS: We use electronic medical record (EMR) data from an academic health system to examine EMR-documented follow-up actions for patients with newly reported memory concerns on the AWV health risk assessment, including formal cognitive assessment or specialist referrals. RESULTS: The 1411 patients with newly reported memory concerns were predominantly white (70%) and female (63%), with an average age of 78 (SD 7.5). At the AWV, few patients received a cognitive assessment (5.4%; n = 76), specialist referral (2.1%; n = 30), or both (0.4%; n = 6). In adjusted analyses, we did not observe statistically significant differences by sociodemographic characteristics. DISCUSSION: This EMR-based study highlights an opportunity to better leverage the AWV to improve ADRD detection and care.
Source: Alzheimer s & Dementia
DOI: 10.1002/alz.71576
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,200
Funder: National Institute on Aging
Awards: Consumer Health Information Technology to Engage and Support ADRD Caregivers: Research Program to Address ADRD Implementation MIlestone 13.I, Health Services and Outcomes Research for Aging Populations, Research Training for the Care of Vulnerable Older Adults with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias and Other Chronic Conditions
OpenAlex ID: W7163689444