Faculty Focus: Anna Pendrey
Dr. Anna Pendrey, a family medicine physician and geriatrician, joined the Department of Family Medicine a year ago. With her outstanding e orts in early screening and detection for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and related dementias, she has been elected by the Alzheimer's Association as a Community Leader and Educator. Dr. Pendrey believes that early screening and detection of dementia is of great importance to society as AD a ects 6.5 million people ages 65 and older in the United States, with the prevalence projected to reach 13.8 million by 2060.
Anna Pendrey, MD
The Impact of dementia is primarily seen in underserved groups Black Americans and Hispanic Americans. AD and related dementias place an enormous burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. She provides healthcare in dementia with an interdisciplinary and interprofessional approach to the underserved aging population of Indianapolis. Her emphasis is in reduction and treatment of risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia, such as, diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, physical inactivity, obesity, and smoking. Assessments also include addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) as it plays a role in dementia risk and promotes healthy aging by encouraging healthier lifestyles. She believes that early detection and screening for AD and related dementias can lead to early treatment, resources, and support, helping the person and caregiver plan for the future. Dr. Pendrey recently opened the geriatrics clinic in the Central Indianapolis Family Medicine Center. She founded and advises the Geriatrics Student Interest Group at Indiana University School of Medicine, and the Geriatrics Track in the Family Medicine Residency Program; striving to inspire and support the next generation of doctors to care for our older adults. Acupuncture Clinic at Indianapolis Family Medicine Residency The Central Indianapolis Family Medicine Residency has started an acupuncture clinic to augment our comprehensive pain and sports medicine clinics. Within the residency we have two trained medical acupuncturists who deliver treatments to patients with a focus on pain and for treatment of a wide range of diagnoses. As a treatment modality, acupuncture is a low-risk option compared to other treatment options. It also o ers a framework to address the psychosocial aspects of a patient's care.
Acupuncture uses very small diameter needles (0.2 -0.4 mm). This treatment ensures that it is nearly painless when inserted. Initial treatments are focused super cially to areas such as the fascia, ears, or scalp. As the patient and provider get to know one another, bone, nerve, and energetic treatments can be exceptionally helpful and focus not only on physical pain, but also on mood, trauma, or addiction.
The additional bene t of the clinic is to our learners who are being exposed to this treatment modality. The Acupuncture Clinic o ers them another area to expand their patient care and communication skills by developing their abilities to engage in the psychosocial factors that in uence their patients. Residents have ample opportunity to practice acupuncture within the Central Indianapolis Residency clinic and further develop their procedural skills.
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