Optimizing scalable approaches for early detection of cognitive impairment in primary care

INTRODUCTION Unrecognized cognitive impairment remains common in primary care, delaying access to care. METHODS We conducted a prospective cross‐sectional study to evaluate a multimodal screening approach combining a passive digital marker (PDM) from electronic health records with the Quick Dementia Rating System (QDRS). RESULTS Individually, each method showed limited discrimination (area under the curve [AUC] 0.61–0.62). The combined model, incorporating PDM, QDRS, and comorbidity context, improved performance (AUC 0.79; sensitivity 0.75; specificity 0.71). Decision curve analysis showed a net benefit of 0.5 at a 50% risk threshold, corresponding to a modest increase in correctly identified cases relative to alternative screening strategies. DISCUSSION This low‐burden, scalable multimodal approach improves detection of cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and may support improved risk stratification and referral prioritization in primary care.