Psychosocial implications of learning amyloid PET results in an observational cohort

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONInformation on the psychosocial impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker testing in adults at risk of AD is needed to inform best practices for communicating biomarker results.METHODSNinety‐nine cognitively unimpaired older adults learned amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) results (mean age = 72.0 ± 4.8, 95% White, 28% elevated amyloid). Linear mixed‐effects regression models were used to test the main effects and interaction of PET result × time on psychosocial outcomes up to 6 months after learning results.RESULTSA significant interaction of PET result × time was observed for concern about AD (β = 0.28, p = 0.02) and intrusive thoughts and avoidance (β = ‐0.82, p < 0.001). A main effect of PET result was observed for AD test‐related distress (β = 12.09, p < 0.001).DISCUSSIONCognitively unimpaired adults learning elevated‐amyloid PET results reported mildly intrusive thoughts/avoidance initially following disclosure, but these symptoms decreased over time. Concern about AD dementia and AD biomarker test‐related distress remained higher in elevated‐amyloid compared to non‐elevated‐amyloid participants.Highlights Longitudinal assessment of psychosocial reactions after amyloid PET disclosure was conducted. Transient highly intrusive thoughts or avoidance after learning elevated amyloid results. Persistent test result‐related distress after receiving elevated‐amyloid results. There is increased concern about AD dementia after receiving elevated‐amyloid results. Happiness and relief are experienced after receiving non‐elevated‐amyloid results.