Abstract
Objectives
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is associated with an increased risk of further cognitive decline, partly depending on demographics and biomarker status. The aim of the present study was to survey the clinical practices of physicians in terms of biomarker counselling, management, and follow‐up in European expert centers diagnosing patients with MCI.
Methods
An online email survey was distributed to physicians affiliated with European Alzheimer’s Disease Consortium centers (Northern Europe: 10 centers; Eastern and Central Europe: 9 centers; Southern Europe: 15 centers) with questions on attitudes towards biomarkers and biomarker counselling in MCI and dementia. This included post‐biomarker counselling and the process of diagnostic disclosure of MCI, as well as treatment and follow‐up in MCI.
Results
The response rate for the survey was 80.9% (34 of 42 centers) across 20 countries. A large majority of physicians had access to biomarkers and found them useful. Pre‐ and post‐biomarker counselling varied across centers, as did practices for referral to support groups and advice on preventive strategies. Less than half reported discussing driving and advance care planning with patients with MCI.
Conclusions
The variability in clinical practices across centers calls for better biomarker counselling and better training to improve communication skills. Future initiatives should address the importance of communicating preventive strategies and advance planning.
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