Disclosure of Alzheimer's disease blood-based biomarker results in a primary care setting: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Blood-based biomarkers (BBMs) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have advanced rapidly and may be a critical tool for broad community-based screening for AD and detection of AD pathology in individuals with cognitive impairment. To meet the impending demand for AD diagnosis, BBMs could be implemented in a primary care setting to maximize accessibility and efficiency. However, this primary care implementation would be associated with numerous challenges, including issues related to disclosure of test results to patients. In this perspective article, we highlight the need for and potential challenges of AD BBM results disclosure in a primary care setting. Drawing from existing studies of AD risk disclosure, we highlight key areas of consideration to maximize patient safety and comprehension of results. Resources are suggested to aid health systems in implementing BBM testing in primary care settings. Finally, we emphasize the need for further research on the accuracy of BBMs and the practice of disclosure in primary care settings.