Publications by authors named "Ayush Thacker"
Introduction: Anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease but may cause amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which can rarely be disabling or fatal. This qualitative study investigates how clinicians communicate the benefits and risks of mAbs to patients and caregivers.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews with clinicians who prescribe mAbs at seven academic medical centers.
Background: Persons living with dementia and their caregivers experience frequent emotional health challenges. Across the illness spectrum, engaging in shared pleasant activities is an important feature of well-being for persons living with dementia-caregiver dyads. Under the umbrella of virtual reality, immersive virtual environment technology (IVET) offers artificial sensory experiences and shows promise in this population.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackgroundPeople with Alzheimer's disease (AD) now have access to disease-modifying treatment with anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Their perception of risks and benefits and approach to treatment decisions remain unknown.ObjectiveWe aimed to understand how people with AD weigh the benefits and costs of anti amyloid mAbs and incorporate these into decisions about treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMillions of Americans have Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). While people with ADRD can live well, many become homebound and are not able to access office-based primary care. Existing dementia care interventions improve patient and caregiver outcomes but are not tailored to homebound people living with dementia, their caregivers, or home-based primary care (HBPC) practices and clinicians who care for them.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- People with early Alzheimer's disease (AD) are starting to use anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for treatment, but their views on risks and benefits are not well understood.
- * A study involving semi-structured interviews with 22 participants revealed that they gather information from various sources like advocacy groups, the internet, and healthcare providers to make treatment decisions.
- * Key themes identified in the study included: the desire for better understanding of the treatment, the hope for improved quality of life, and how personal and family factors shape their willingness to accept treatment despite its risks.*
Key Points: A large eGFR discordance (., cystatin C–based eGFR >30% lower than creatinine-based eGFR) is common in older adults and increased with age. A large eGFR discordance was associated with increased risk of falls, hospitalization, and death, independent of kidney function.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Approximately 7.5 million older adults are homebound, who have difficulty and/or need assistance to leave their homes. In this growing population, the prevalence of people living with dementia (PLWD) is approximately 50%.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study evaluated a patient-friendly Workbook designed to help seriously ill patients and their caregivers engage in important conversations about their care.
- Twenty-nine participants provided feedback through surveys and in-depth interviews, highlighting the Workbook's safety, acceptability, and ease of use, with ratings indicating generally positive responses.
- The findings suggest that the Workbook is most effective when introduced by a trusted individual, emphasizing the importance of context and rapport in discussions about serious illness.