Newest Research Findings
Early Alzheimer’s diagnosis: U.S. primary care physicians and use of blood biomarkers
Advancing Early Detection of Alzheimer Disease in the Primary Care Setting in the United States
Detection and Diagnosis of Early Symptomatic Alzheimer’s Disease in Primary Care
[Alzheimers Dement, Burns & Alford et al] Primary Care Doctors are interested in Alzheimers' diagnosis (AD). Education on AD use and diagnosis may benefit doctors in the care of individuals with cognitive decline.
[Neurol Clin Pract. Mielke & Kurzman et al] Primary care physicians are willing to adopt blood-based biomarker tests for diagnosing MCI and mild dementia due to AD, provided that they receive enhanced education, clear guidelines, and reimbursement support.
[Fed Pract., Cabral & Obisesan] PCCs are critical in the detection and initial evaluation of patients with early symptomatic AD. A
Beyond Training: How Context Matters for Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease in Primary Care
The worldwide costs of dementia in 2019
[Ann Fam Med. Chavira-Razo & MacLeod et al] Early detection of cognitive issues in primary care settings is needed. System-level change is paramount for supporting clinicians through this transition
[Alzheimers Dement. Wimo & Seeher et al]Â
Global economic costs of dementia were estimated to reach US $1313.4 in 2019. Sixty-one percent of people with dementia live in low-and middle-income countries, whereas 74% of the costs occur in high-income countries.
[Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis, Rasmussen & Langerman] Primary healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in recognising individuals at risk, recommending lifestyle changes in mid-adult life that can prevent or slow down the disease, and in timely diagnosis. Early intervention is the optimal strategy, because the patient’s level of function is preserved for longer.
Alzheimer’s Disease – Why We Need Early Diagnosis
The impact of adapted tango dance on cognitive and executive function in older adults: A randomized controlled trial
[Experimental Gerontology. Zhang & Zhang et al] The adapted tango group improved on several executive-function measures and global cognitive assessments compared with controls.
[Frontier in Physiology. Zhao & Tao et al.] Dance ranked favorably for selected cognitive outcomes, including global cognition, working memory, and attention, although results are insignificant.
[Frontiers in Psychology. Fan & Liu et al] This study of systematic review reported favorable findings for selected measures of cognition, memory, attention, emotional well-being, and psychological health. Results varied across studies, with methodological limitations preventing firm conclusions.
Dance versus other exercise modalities in mild cognitive impairment and dementia: Comparative efficacy from a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis
Effects of dance-based physical activity on cognitive and psychological health across age groups: A systematic review
Our Team's Research ActivitiesÂ
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10/1/2026: Michelle Liu and Ning Zhang, PhD, will deliver a poster presentation at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting on Nov 4, 2026 in National Harbor, MD.Â
4/30/2026: It was so much fun to joining the international conference of Tai Chi and Qigong with researchers and practitioners from multiple majors from different countries. A great connecting point between eastern and western integrative therapies to promote whole person health. So much learning from many professionals from Master Qi Gong to neuroscientist. Truly inspiring to think more about how dance-like movement can support brain health and "whole health". Thanks again for Dr. Wayne's sponsorship!
4/9/2026: After months of data collection (interviews and surveys elderly people, recruiting and interviewing primary care doctors, and analyzing data under the guidance of Dr. Zhang, the benefits and barriers of early detection of ADRD in primary care setting was presented at the Mass Science & Engineering Fair, after its presentation at the Worcester regional fair with recognition from American Psychology Association.
