A Practical Diagnostic Approach to Dementia Syndromes in Primary Care Using Biomarkers

Authors

• Jennifer West, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Neurology

Advisor

Dr. Victoria Beloy

Abstract

Cognitive decline most often comes to attention in the primary care setting, yet differentiating among major dementia syndromes remains challenging in routine practice. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), vascular dementia (VaD), and frontotemporal dementias (FTD) are frequently mistaken for one another, especially when symptoms overlap—a trend reflected in recent comparisons of clinical and pathological diagnoses. A comprehensive evaluation of peer-reviewed literature identified a practical, evidence-based approach to assist primary care clinicians in differentiating common dementia syndromes and determine when blood-based or cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers add diagnostic value alongside neuroimaging, cognitive testing, and the NIA-AA AT(N) framework.

Additional diagnostic tools—including structural neuroimaging and α-synuclein assays—can add clarity when the presentation is uncertain. Continued work in implementation and real-world evaluation will be important to ensure these advances are adopted equitably and used effectively. When incorporated into structured clinical workflows, biomarker-guided approaches may improve diagnostic accuracy, streamline referrals, and support more timely access to disease-modifying therapies and clinical trials.

Recommended Citation

West J. A Practical Diagnostic Approach to Dementia Syndromes in Primary Care Using Biomarkers. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(1).