Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology
• Patient Decision-Making

Background:

• Novel anti-amyloid therapies (AATs) for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) present new treatment options.
• Understanding patient and family decision-making processes for AATs is crucial.
• Drug consultations are being offered at Northwestern Medical Group's Neurobehavior and Memory Clinic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure patient and family perceptions, barriers, and concerns regarding AATs post-consultation.
• To assess the patient and family experience with drug consultations as an informed decision-making tool.

Main Methods:

• Survey administered to participants eligible for AATs after a consultation with a behavioral neurologist.
• Eligibility criteria include early-stage AD with biomarker evidence.
• Surveys collected via phone, assessing pre/post-consultation interest, concerns, and consultation experience.

Main Results:

• Preliminary data from 20 participants (15 persons living with AD, 5 care partners).
• 80% expressed "somewhat" or "very" interested in starting AATs post-consultation.
• Key concerns included medical complications (e.g., brain bleeds, swelling); decreased interest linked to perceived lack of impact on daily life.

Conclusions:

• Neurologist consultations are vital for informed decision-making regarding new AD therapies.
• Consultations help identify and address patient/family concerns about AAT risks, benefits, and impact.
• Further analysis will explore demographic influences on decision-making.