Individuals' Interest in Cognitive Screening, Dementia Diagnosis, and Treatment: New Estimates from a Population-Representative Sample

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rohwedder, Susann

Contributor:

Hudomiet, Peter

Hurd, Michael D.

Language:

English

Other Title:

Individuals' Interest in Cognitive Screening, Dementia Diagnosis, and Treatment

Place of Publication:

RAND Corporation 2024

Summary:

Recent advances in the development of early-detection tests and treatments for Alzheimer's disease have raised the prospect of their integration into routine health care in the near future. To prepare for the implementation of these advances in dementia care, new data are needed to inform estimates of anticipated demand for testing and specialist follow-up and treatment, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of individuals' motivations or potential reservations. The authors designed and conducted a survey in the RAND American Life Panel of a population-representative sample of individuals ages 50 to 70 to estimate the percentage of the population who would (1) undergo a cognitive assessment, (2) take an early-detection test for Alzheimer's disease, (3) follow up with a brain specialist if recommended to do so, and (4) enroll in disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer's if eligible. The authors also investigated the extent to which these four outcomes vary with individual characteristics and beliefs and whether outcomes are sensitive to the cost and mode of testing or to aspects related to treatment availability. The rapid developments in medical research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in terms of testing and treatment options will lead to increased benefits from early testing. The results in this report can provide guidance about which testing protocols would be most effective in increasing testing in the population overall and how to promote equitable access to dementia care.