Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gerontology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Increasing prescription of anti-amyloid disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) like lecanemab for Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
• Need for frequent and in-depth patient monitoring to track cognitive, behavioral, and functional changes during treatment.
• This study investigates the feasibility of a telehealth-based cognitive testing protocol for AD patients on lecanemab.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a frequent remote cognitive testing protocol for AD patients receiving lecanemab.
• To evaluate patient compliance and engagement with telehealth cognitive assessments.
• To explore the potential of remote monitoring as a model for patients on AD DMTs.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 18 AD patients on lecanemab.
• Validated questionnaires (Amsterdam IADL, NPIQ) completed via REDCap.
• Telehealth cognitive assessments every 3 months, including modified ADAS-Cog with alternate forms.
• Monthly remote testing via SurveyLex platform with Zoom for memory, language, and executive function tests.

Main Results:

• 34 participants screened; 53% enrolled (average age 67.2 years, 55% female).
• Average MoCA score of enrolled participants was 19.2.
• Baseline and 3-month sessions averaged 67 minutes; monthly sessions averaged 35 minutes.
• 61% of participants remained enrolled at 3 months; 5 participants withdrew due to testing demands.

Conclusions:

• Frequent remote cognitive testing for AD patients on lecanemab is feasible.
• Moderate compliance (61% at 3 months) suggests potential for this monitoring model.
• Proposes remote monthly assessments as a novel approach for monitoring patients receiving AD DMTs.