Enhancing Brain Health Promotion and Dementia Detection in Primary Care with the KAER Framework

TL;DR

The paper introduces the updated KAER Toolkit to help primary care teams improve brain health discussions, detect dementia, and support patients and caregivers.

Contribution

The third version of the GSA KAER Toolkit is introduced, incorporating expert-reviewed updates and new resources for brain health and dementia care.

Findings

The KAER framework includes practical tools and resources for integrating brain health into primary care workflows.

New resources in the toolkit address dementia risk reduction and updated screening tools.

The toolkit has been adopted in various clinical practices to improve dementia care outcomes.

Abstract

The Gerontological Society of America’s (GSA) KAER Toolkit for Brain Health is intended to support primary care teams in implementing a comprehensive approach to initiating conversations about brain health, detecting and diagnosing dementia, and providing individuals with community-based supports. Based on the four steps of the KAER framework—Kickstart, Assess, Evaluate, and Refer (KAER)— the Toolkit includes practical approaches, educational resources, and validated clinical tools that teams can immediately integrate into their workflow. Recently, GSA launched the third version of the publicly available GSA KAER Toolkit that was revised based on expert review and evaluation of the latest scientific evidence for its clinical applicability. This online version allows for frequent updates aligning with the ever-evolving brain health scientific-landscape, including significant advances in brain health promotion, dementia risk reduction, advances in biomarkers, and recent guideline updates on use of screening and detection tools. Attendees at this session will learn about the flexible KAER framework and how it can be integrated into existing workflows within their practice setting through the entire diagnostic process of K to A to E and to R improve care and outcomes of older adults living with dementia and their caregivers. This session will highlight newly added resources to the KAER Toolkit including brain health promotion, dementia risk reduction, common behavioral and psychological symptoms association with dementia, and updated screening and diagnostic tools. Additionally, practice pearls about how aspects of the KAER toolkit have been integrated into various clinical practices will be discussed.