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Detection to disease modification: blood biomarkers and monoclonal antibodies in Alzheimer’s disease

Saturday, May 30, 2026
4:20 PM - 4:40 PM
Ballroom

Overview

Dr Andrew Stafford


Details

Alzheimer’s disease care is undergoing rapid change, with major advances in blood‑based biomarkers for diagnosis and screening, alongside the emergence of disease‑modifying monoclonal antibody therapies. This presentation will unpack what these developments mean in practice, exploring their benefits, limitations, and potential risks. This session will explore where credentialed pharmacists fit within a patient’s journey with mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease. Learning Objectives 1. Describe the role of blood‑based biomarkers in the screening and diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. 2. Identify the mechanisms, clinical benefits, and key risks associated with monoclonal antibody therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. 3. Describe the role of credentialed pharmacists in supporting patients and carers across the diagnostic and treatment pathway. Competency Standards (2016); 1.6, 3.1


Speaker

Agenda Item Image
Dr Andrew Stafford
Associate Professor
Curtin School of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, Curtin University

Detection to disease modification: blood biomarkers and monoclonal antibodies in Alzheimer’s disease

Biography

Andrew is a credentialed pharmacist, academic, and nationally recognised leader in aged care and dementia pharmacy practice. He is an Associate Professor in Pharmacy at Curtin University’s School of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, where his work focuses on improving the safe and effective use of medicines for older people, particularly those living with dementia. His expertise spans polypharmacy, psychotropic medication use, deprescribing, and pharmacist led medication management services, addressing priorities of national and global importance in ageing and medicines safety. An award winning educator, Andrew is widely recognised for his innovative, practice ready approach to pharmacy education. He has led the development of high impact digital and simulation based learning resources, and his teaching excellence has been acknowledged through institutional teaching awards and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. Andrew leads an active, collaborative research program in aged care pharmacy. His research has produced multiple publications, national clinical practice guidelines and invited presentations at major Australian and international conferences. His work has demonstrated real world impact, including evidence linking pharmacist led medication reviews with improved health outcomes for older people. Beyond academia, Andrew maintains strong engagement with the pharmacy profession. He is a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and previously the Australian and New Zealand College of Advanced Pharmacy. Andrew regularly advises professional bodies, contributes to national guidelines, and serves on conference organising committees and academic boards. Andrew has been a regular presenter at ConPharm and CPC conferences since 2012 on various topics related to his research and practice.
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