Dr. John Showalter and Grace Showalter, RN, explain how their dementia-focused primary care clinic is helping patients receive answers in days instead of months. By combining digital cognitive testing, blood-based biomarkers, and comprehensive evaluations in a single visit, they can diagnose Alzheimer's or identify other causes of cognitive decline far more quickly than the traditional referral process. Their approach also emphasizes prevention, family support, and practical planning alongside medical care.

The conversation also explores why so many of their patients are women experiencing perimenopausal brain fog, the importance of baseline cognitive testing, and how treatable conditions such as poor sleep can mimic Alzheimer's symptoms. While the Showalters believe the tools for earlier diagnosis already exist, they argue that outdated insurance reimbursement models remain one of the biggest barriers to wider adoption. They also discuss simple financial safeguards and lifestyle interventions that can help patients and families preserve both brain health and quality of life.