Patient Preferences for Dementia Interventions: A Scoping Review With a Systematic Review of Medications and Choice-Based Methods.

BACKGROUND

Despite emerging treatment options for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), patient preferences for treatment and care remain poorly understood.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and EMBASE through November 12, 2024 for studies reporting stated preferences for dementia treatment- and care-related interventions. We synthesized key findings from studies using choice-based preference elicitation methods and those addressing medication preferences.

RESULTS

We screened 8300 abstracts and 82 studies published between 1996 and 2024 were included. Most evaluated preferences for non-pharmacological interventions. Studies were experimental (37; 45.1%), observational (36; 43.9%), and qualitative (21; 25.6%). Six studies used choice-based preference elicitation methods and five assessed preferences for medications. Patients valued memory improvement and emotional or social support, despite highly heterogeneous data.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights significant gaps in the literature on treatment preferences-particularly for medications-among older adults with cognitive impairment, underscoring the need for further research, development of validated clinical tools, and appropriate methods to elicit preferences to better align interventions with patient values.