Mapping the Patient Journey in Diagnosing and Treating Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia Through Interactions With Psychiatrists

Abstract: Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by cognitive and memory deficits that may affect instrumental daily activities (iADLs). Dementia is characterized by cognitive decline that does affect ADLs. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia. This study sought to better understand the role of psychiatrists in treating patients with MCI/mild AD dementia. Methods: We conducted an anonymous, online survey in the US with 50 psychiatrists who treat ≥25 patients with MCI/mild AD dementia per month. Results: Among their patients with MCI/mild AD dementia, psychiatrists reported personally diagnosing 67% and referring 9% to another clinician for diagnosis. Psychiatrists reported that patients first discussed their symptoms at appointments made to specifically address MCI/mild AD dementia symptoms (43% of the time), appointments made for other conditions (30% of the time), and well-visits (24% of the time). At diagnosis, most psychiatrists report discussing MCI/mild AD dementia treatments (86%), management strategies (80%), progression (72%), and causes (72%). Most psychiatrists reported following American Psychiatric Association (APA) guidelines for the management of MCI/mild AD dementia. The treatments commonly recommended by psychiatrists for newly diagnosed patients included lifestyle improvements (94%) and social interaction (86%). Most psychiatrists (82%) reported receiving advanced formal training in dementia care. Psychiatrists estimated that they refer 12% of patients to other healthcare professionals for MCI/mild AD dementia treatment. Conclusion: Psychiatrists are highly engaged in diagnosing and managing patients with MCI/mild AD dementia with the potential to play a greater role in early diagnosis and treatment.Short Description: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia affect many older people. This study sought to better understand the role of psychiatrists in treating patients with MCI/mild AD dementia. We found that psychiatrists are highly engaged in diagnosing and managing patients with MCI/mild AD dementia with the potential to play a greater role in early diagnosis and treatment.Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): Novo Nordisk, Inc.