THE REAL-WORLD impact of symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia from the perspectives of patients and their caregivers has been investigated in a recent study. This comprehensive research underscores the multifaceted challenges faced by those living with these conditions.
Through cross-sectional surveys and qualitative interviews, researchers gathered over 35,000 symptom ratings from 433 participants, including patients and caregivers. Key findings reveal that memory problems (99%), cognitive difficulties (90.3%), and communication challenges (80.4%) are the most frequently reported symptoms. However, the impact extends beyond these issues, with patients citing reduced satisfaction in social settings, fatigue, and memory loss as the most disruptive to their lives.
The study also highlighted the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) for neurologic disability as a critical indicator of symptom severity, suggesting that the interplay between symptom prevalence and disease progression is vital for understanding patient experiences.
These findings carry implications for both clinical practice and therapeutic development. By identifying underrecognized yet impactful symptoms, healthcare professionals can better tailor care plans and enhance quality of life for patients. Moreover, the data offer a foundation for designing targeted interventions and validating disease-specific outcome measures for future clinical trials.
Reference: Seabury J et al. Patient- and Caregiver-Reported Impact of Symptoms in Alzheimer Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Dementia. Neurol Clin Pract. 2024;15(1).
Anaya Malik | AMJ
