New recommendations to help healthcare providers explain amyloid therapies to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers involves sharing the benefits and risks of medications.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Clinical Significance Working Group created the recommendations and released them in October. Comment on the document was published Friday in Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The language talks about sharing the potential risks of Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA)which are side effects reported with certain medications. The Food and Drug Administration only recently approved Amyloid-targeting antibody therapies for early treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

“The language and guidance of the article highlights the need for clear and empathetic communication between clinicians, patients and caregivers regarding treatment eligibility, risks, benefits and costs,” said Maria C . Carrillo, PhD, lead author, in commentary. “It also highlights the importance of prior genetic testing, ongoing monitoring for side effects, and managing logistical and financial issues associated with treatment.”

“This effort was catalyzed by Alzheimer’s patients and families sharing their excitement, but also their concerns – telling us what they want and need to know about these medications, as well as the “The confusion and discord they have experienced due to the controversial public debate over FDA-approved treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease,” Carrillo added. “The issues are complex, but can be discussed in any way. the world can understand. We do this. for cancer treatment We can do this for Alzheimer’s disease.

The task force recommended clearly sharing the benefits and risks of the drug, balancing optimism and realism. Discussions should also personalize recommendations based on a person’s health, genetic markers and medical condition. Doctors should discuss how medication risks will be managed during treatment, with plans for continued monitoring. The report also details caregiver engagement in patient care.

Discussions should also incorporate details about adding lifestyle recommendations as well as mental health support, the authors wrote.

“As new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are approved, there may be different risks and expectations,” said Dorene M. Rentz, PsyD, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and senior author of the study. article, in the comment. “Our goal is to update this resource to facilitate these discussions, if necessary. »