Exploring Patient Perspectives: A Structured Interview Study on Deep Brain Stimulation as a Novel Treatment Approach...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• Limited effective treatments exist for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is being explored as a potential innovative therapy for MCI.
• Patient perspectives are essential for ethical research and development of new treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient and care partner perspectives on Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
• To understand daily challenges, desired treatment outcomes, and views on DBS among MCI patients and their care partners.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with seven MCI patients and four care partners.
• Interviews conducted between February 2023 and January 2024.
• Thematic analysis performed following COREQ guidelines.

Main Results:

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) was a new concept for all participants.
• Most patients (6/7) expressed interest in DBS but had concerns about invasiveness (6/7) and preferred exhausting medication options first (4/7).
• Care partners (4/4) also voiced concerns about invasiveness and stressed the need for proven efficacy; procedural risk and significant outcomes were key decision factors.

Conclusions:

• Patient and care partner insights are crucial for ethically developing patient-centered Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) protocols for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
• Balancing innovation with patient values is paramount in advancing MCI treatments.