Core IM | Internal Medicine Podcast

#202 Dementia Part 2: Gray Matters Segment

Core IM | Internal Medicine Podcast

Show Notes

Most clinicians see dementia medications on the med rec, but many of us aren’t sure how much they actually help. In this episode we break down donepezil, memantine, and the new anti-amyloid drugs, and when to stop them. • Do cholinesterase inhibitors really work? • What should clinicians know about lecanemab and donanemab before referring patients? • How much benefit should we expect and for how long? • When should you deprescribe dementia medications?

🔹Sponsor: Caraway’s cookware set is a favorite for a reason. For 10% off, go to Carawayhome.com/CoreIM or use code CoreIM at checkout.

🔹Transcript and Shownotes 02:27 | Deep Dive 1: How do we deliver the news of a diagnosis of dementia? 09:41 | Deep Dive 2: Prescribing medications for cognitive decline 29:30 | Deep Dive 3: Patient-centered management for a patient with cognitive decline 35:46 | Deep Dive 4: Planning for an uncertain future

Tags: CoreIM, Internal Medicine, Medical Education, Cognitive Screening, primary care, nurse practitioner, physician assistant

Find the best disability insurance for you: https://www.patternlife.com/disability-insurance?campid=497840

Our Sponsors: * Check out ElevenReader and use my code PODCAST for a great deal: https://elevenreader.io

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

More from Core IM | Internal Medicine Podcast

Oct 21, 2026

“Should you stop screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) at 75?” This episode explores how to individualize screening decisions based on life expectancy, prior colonoscopy findings, and procedural risks. Learn how to navigate these nuanced conversations, avoid age-based assumptions, and use strategies like mailed FIT kits and offering screening choices to help more patients get screened.

Oct 8, 2026

“What’s the best way to screen?” This episode breaks down the pros, limitations, and follow-up needs of FIT, Cologuard, CT colonography, and colonoscopy to help you choose the right CRC screening option for your patients. Also learn practical colonoscopy surveillance intervals based on polyp size, number, and pathology.

Sep 29, 2026

“The triglycerides are high. Now what?” This episode breaks down a practical approach to elevated TGs, from knowing when to check ApoB or non-HDL-C to choosing lifestyle changes, lipid-lowering medications, and when to suspect an underlying genetic disorder.

Sep 23, 2026

“Too young for colon cancer.” This episode unpacks the red flags of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC), from blood in the stool and iron deficiency anemia to persistent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, and offers practical pearls for closing the clinical loop. Also learn why a “negative” family history may need a yearly refresh.

Sep 16, 2026

“It didn’t work.” This episode breaks down practical treatment options (dosing options for naltrexone, acamprosate, topiramate, gabapentin) and counseling pearls to help you meet patients where they are and support their recovery. Also discover blind spots in detox and rehab centers. 🔹Transcript and Show Notes 🔹 Explore ACP’s Substance Use Disorder Education Hub for videos and an AI-powered patient simulation to practice alcohol-use conversations: https://www.coreimpodcast.com/SUDhub Alcohol Use and Chronic Health Conditions Mini Video Series 01:55 | #1: Naltrexone 12:06 | #2 Acamprosate 16:15 | #3: Topiramate 21:12 | #4: Other meds 29:31 | #5: Detox and rehab blind spots

See all episodes →