Une étude révèle que la connaissance du risque d'Alzheimer diminue l'anxiété mais réduit la motivation

A recent study indicates that understanding one’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease may alleviate anxiety but can diminish motivation to adopt healthy lifestyle changes. Conducted by researchers at Rutgers University and Sheba Medical Center in Israel, the study analyzed responses from 199 healthy adults who underwent amyloid PET scans to determine their amyloid beta levels, a key indicator of Alzheimer’s risk.

Participants completed surveys before the scans assessing their anxiety, depression, memory concerns, and motivation for lifestyle changes. They repeated these assessments six months after receiving their results.

The findings revealed contrasting emotional outcomes based on the presence of amyloid. Individuals without amyloid buildup reported a reduction in depression, anxiety, and memory complaints, but their drive to maintain healthy lifestyle habits decreased over time. In contrast, those with amyloid presence did not report increased levels of depression or memory concerns, yet they experienced a drop in anxiety and motivation to make lifestyle adjustments.

Researcher Michal Schnaider Beeri noted, “Disclosing amyloid status does not negatively impact participants; instead, it often reduces negative feelings. However, it’s concerning how quickly people lose motivation to maintain healthy behaviors. Strategies to encourage ongoing lifestyle changes are essential.”

The study highlights the emotional responses to learning about Alzheimer’s risk, especially among cognitively healthy individuals—a focus that has been underexplored in previous research. The authors emphasized the need for personalized approaches when disclosing such sensitive information, as reactions can vary widely among individuals.

With the increasing trend toward preventive therapies for Alzheimer’s, understanding these emotional responses is critical. As new treatments become available, healthy individuals may be screened for Alzheimer’s biomarkers to determine eligibility for targeted therapies. This research underscores the importance of optimizing the disclosure process to foster better outcomes for those at risk.