Anticipated reactions to learning Alzheimer’s disease biomarker results

Abstract

Abstract Introduction We developed the Alzheimer’s Biomarker Survey to assess willingness to enroll in biomarker studies that disclose results and anticipated reactions to an elevated biomarker result. Methods Participants included cognitively unimpaired adults enrolled in longitudinal AD studies (n = 334, mean age = 64.8 ± 7.7, 44% non-Hispanic Black or African American). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses determined the latent structure comprising anticipated reactions to learning AD biomarker results. Measurement invariance was tested across racial groups. Results Two models comprising behavior change and psychological impact fit well for the total sample and the two racial groups. The 2-factor behavior change model assessed constructs of planning and dementia risk-reduction. The 3-factor psychological impact model assessed constructs of distress, cognitive symptoms, and stigma. Both models exhibited measurement invariance across racial groups. Discussion The 28-item Anticipated Reactions to AD Biomarker Disclosure scale is a reliable and valid measure of anticipated reactions when communicating AD biomarker results to research participants.

Keywords

• Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
• Risk communication
• Biomarker disclosure
• Psychometrics
• Psychosocial