Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Communicating the risk of dementia: a scoping review
Maja Swirska1, Axel A S Laurell1,2, Emad Sidhom1,2
1Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK.
Background:
Dementia is a syndrome characterised by progressive cognitive and functional decline arising from a neurodegenerative disease. Genetic testing, imaging and fluid biomarkers mean that levels of risk of dementia diagnosis are becoming frequent and complex. How risk is communicated in this context is an increasingly important topic.
Aims:
The aim of this scoping review is to map the existing literature regarding the components of risk communication, the factors influencing its outcomes and the guidelines developed to support clinicians in this process.
Methods:
This is a systematic scoping review addressing the communication of risk to individuals living with or at risk of dementia, as well as perspectives of family, carers and healthcare professionals.
Results:
115 articles were identified, including genetic (n=41), amyloid (n=45) and other biomarkers (n=9). Patients expressed a desire to be informed about their risk of developing dementia, listing future planning and participation in clinical research as benefits of disclosure. While risk disclosure did not significantly impact anxiety or depression, it was associated with increased event distress among participants identified as elevated risk. Individuals at high risk frequently overestimated their likelihood of developing dementia. Tools and guidelines that have supported clinicians in risk disclosure emphasised the use of educational materials, clear communication about risk and prognosis, and regular follow-up appointments. Gaps in literature include blood biomarkers, non-Alzheimer's disease dementias and communication to people with cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
Risk communication is a crucial topic for healthcare professionals, especially since the emergence of novel techniques to predict dementia.
More Related Videos
07:31Implementation of a Real-Time Psychosis Risk Detection and Alerting System Based on Electronic Health Records using CogStack
Published on: May 15, 2020
06:23The 4 Mountains Test: A Short Test of Spatial Memory with High Sensitivity for the Diagnosis of Pre-dementia Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: October 13, 2016
Related Concept Videos
01:30Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
01:23Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast,...
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...