US Early Detection Fellowship Program

Geographic Scope: United States (10 healthcare systems across diverse regions)

Focus Areas:

• Early detection of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in primary care settings
• Implementation of early detection programs across healthcare systems
• Development of a US-specific Early Detection Blueprint
• Workforce development and sustainability

Eligible Applicants:

• Healthcare systems (10 selected sites)
• Diverse cross-section of healthcare delivery models

Selected Participating Sites:

• CommonSpirit Health (Illinois)
• Emory University/Emory Healthcare (Georgia)
• Family Health Centers of Southern Indiana
• Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull
• Penn Medicine (University of Pennsylvania)
• SCAN Health Plan (California)
• UMass Memorial Health – Harrington
• University of Texas Southwestern/Parkland Health
• Virtua Health and Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (New Jersey)

Program Duration: Through Q1 2026

Key Features:

• Monthly virtual community of practice meetings
• Comprehensive coaching and technical assistance from DAC experts
• Training based on DAC Healthcare System Preparedness Early Detection Blueprint
• Evaluation and adaptation of Blueprint for US-specific implementation

Strategic Partners:

• Alliance to Improve Dementia Care from the Milken Institute Future of Aging

Background:

• Costs of caring for people with Alzheimer's projected to reach $360 billion in 2024 alone
• Over 2,000 patients daily progress from early to later stages of Alzheimer's disease
• Program aims to transform how cognitive impairment is identified and addressed in primary care