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European Projects for Patients with Dementia and Their Caregivers
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|August 15, 2023
Summary
Current dementia treatments are symptomatic. Future research requires larger, longer studies with younger participants to explore prevention strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Gerontology
- Public Health and Health Services Research
Background:
- Dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) lack curative treatments; current interventions are symptomatic.
- Existing recommendations highlight the need for future prevention studies with larger cohorts, longer durations, and younger participants.
- Significant European collaborations have focused on supporting neurodegenerative disease patients and their caregivers over the past decade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and present a decade of European research projects focused on dementia and neurodegenerative diseases.
- To highlight advancements in understanding disease progression, patient support, caregiver training, and early detection.
- To showcase innovative approaches including digital biomarkers, virtual reality, and genetic counseling in dementia care.
Main Methods:
- Review of multiple European research projects including prospective cohort studies (ICTUS, RECAGE, AddNeuroMed).
- Analysis of projects focused on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) screening and criteria (DESCRIPA).
- Inclusion of projects utilizing technology (VRADA, RADAR) and educational frameworks (GECONEU, Erasmus+ projects) for patient and caregiver support.
Main Results:
- Projects have provided insights into antidementia drug non-persistency and predictors of discontinuation (ICTUS).
- Research has contributed to screening guidelines for predementia Alzheimer's disease (DESCRIPA) and understanding disease progression (AddNeuroMed).
- Development of digital biomarkers for early AD detection and validation of technology-enabled measures for functional decline (RADAR).
Conclusions:
- A decade of collaborative European research has advanced understanding and support for dementia and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Innovative interventions, including cognitive and physical exercises, digital biomarkers, and caregiver training, show promise.
- Continued research focusing on prevention, early detection, and comprehensive patient/caregiver support is crucial.
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