Decision-making, Ethical Consent, and Interactive Dialogue in Ongoing Neurocognitive Decline - DECISION
The DECISION study wants to make it easier to understand if people with conditions like Alzheimer's can make informed decisions about their healthcare. Currently, tests for this can be too complicated for everyday use. Researchers are developing a new, simple tool to help doctors and families assess this important ability. They will test this new tool with people who have dementia and also look at how their memory and decision-making are linked to changes in their brain. The goal is to create a useful and fair way to make sure people with memory problems can still be involved in choices about their health, respecting their wishes and rights.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The DECISION study is all about helping people with memory problems, like those with Alzheimer's disease, to be involved in making important decisions about their health. It's really important that everyone has the right to understand and agree to their medical care, but for people whose memory is fading, this can become quite difficult.
Currently, the tools doctors use to check if someone can make these decisions are often too long and complicated for regular use. This study aims to create a new, simpler test that is quick and easy to use. This new tool will help doctors understand if a person can make decisions, even if their memory isn't what it used to be. The study will also look at how changes in the brain relate to a person's ability to make choices.
The main goal is to create a fair and reliable way to check someone's ability to consent, ensuring their wishes are heard and respected. This is particularly important as new treatments for dementia are being developed, and people need to be able to decide if they want to take part in these or other medical care.
Key takeaways
- The DECISION study wants to improve how we check decision-making in people with dementia.
- It aims to create a quicker, simpler, and fairer test than current methods.
- Participation involves memory tests, blood samples, and potential brain/eye scans.
- The study doesn't involve new medicines; it's about developing assessment tools.
- Results could help ensure people with memory loss are involved in their healthcare choices.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical treatment.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for volunteers aged 50 and over who have been diagnosed with, or are suspected to have, a memory condition like Alzheimer's disease or a similar type of dementia. You would need to be able to understand what's being asked of you, or have a family member or carer who can give legal permission for you to take part and help with some information.
You should also be able to communicate effectively to complete questionnaires and be willing to have some basic tests, such as blood samples, and possibly brain scans. It's important that you don't have severe sight or hearing problems that would stop you from doing the tests, or other serious health conditions or illnesses that might affect the study results.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 50 years old or older?
- Do you have a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of a memory issue like Alzheimer's?
- Can you or a family member/carer help you understand and agree to take part?
- Are you able to speak well enough to do some tests?
- Are you willing to have simple tests like blood samples?
- Do you have any major sight or hearing problems that would stop you from doing tests?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in the DECISION study, you would be invited for assessments, which include various tests to check your thinking and memory skills. You may also be asked to give a blood sample, and there's a chance you might have brain scans (like an MRI) or eye scans (called OCT). These appointments would be spread out over time, but the study description doesn't specify the total number of visits or the overall duration of your involvement. The study is not testing a new medication; instead, it focuses on developing and testing new assessment tools and understanding how memory changes are linked to brain changes.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU HospitalVerified postcodeMunich, Germany
Common questions
What is the DECISION study trying to achieve?
It aims to create a simple and reliable test to check if people with conditions like Alzheimer's can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Will I have to take new medication?
No, this study is not about new medications. It focuses on developing assessment tools and understanding memory changes.
Who can take part in this study?
People aged 50 or over with a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of a memory condition like Alzheimer's, who can understand and agree to participate (or have a legal representative).
What kind of tests will I have?
You might have thinking and memory tests, blood tests, and possibly brain scans (MRI) or eye scans (OCT).
Can I stop participating if I change my mind?
Yes, you can leave the study at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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