Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Amyloid beta (Aβ) can be detected in vivo years before Alzheimer's disease (AD) symptom onset and, according to recent criteria, is sufficient for a biological diagnosis. This study evaluates emotional responses to Aβ status disclosure in cognitively normal individuals. METHODS: Questionnaires were given before and 6 months after Aβ positron emission tomography results disclosure to assess anxiety and depression related to the possibility of an elevated result, subjective memory complaints, and motivation for risk-reduction behavior. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-nine cognitively normal adults were included. Non-elevated Aβ status disclosure was associated with reductions in all emotional parameters compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Elevated Aβ disclosure was associated with no changes in depression or memory complaints and a modest decrease in anxiety and motivation to change lifestyle (p < 0.048). DISCUSSION: No negative psychological effects were observed after Aβ status disclosure. Decreased motivation for lifestyle changes was seen after disclosure of both elevated and non-elevated amyloid status and should be targeted. HIGHLIGHTS: No negative psychological effects were observed after amyloid beta (Aβ) status disclosure. Motivation for lifestyle changes decreased after Aβ disclosure. Lower education may predict "unfavorable" response to non-elevated Aβ disclosure. Results support personalized communication strategies for Aβ disclosure.