Emotional response to amyloid beta status disclosure among research participants at high dementia risk.

INTRODUCTION

Amyloid beta (Aβ) can be detected in vivo years before Alzheimer's disease (AD) symptom onset and, according to recent criteria, is sufficient for a biological diagnosis. This study evaluates emotional responses to Aβ status disclosure in cognitively normal individuals.

METHODS

Questionnaires were given before and 6 months after Aβ positron emission tomography results disclosure to assess anxiety and depression related to the possibility of an elevated result, subjective memory complaints, and motivation for risk-reduction behavior.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-nine cognitively normal adults were included. Non-elevated Aβ status disclosure was associated with reductions in all emotional parameters compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Elevated Aβ disclosure was associated with no changes in depression or memory complaints and a modest decrease in anxiety and motivation to change lifestyle (p < 0.048).

DISCUSSION: No negative psychological effects were observed after Aβ status disclosure. Decreased motivation for lifestyle changes was seen after disclosure of both elevated and non-elevated amyloid status and should be targeted.

HIGHLIGHTS: No negative psychological effects were observed after amyloid beta (Aβ) status disclosure. Motivation for lifestyle changes decreased after Aβ disclosure. Lower education may predict "unfavorable" response to non-elevated Aβ disclosure. Results support personalized communication strategies for Aβ disclosure.