What Impact Does the Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment Have on the Wellbeing, Everyday Behavior, and Healthcare Utilization of People and Their Carers? A Systematic Review
Affiliations: [a] School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| [b] Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
Correspondence:
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Correspondence to: Sarah P. Slight, PhD, School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, King George VI Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK. Tel.: +44 0191 208 2335; E-mail: sarah.slight@newcastle.ac.uk.
Abstract: Background:Dementia is a major cause of disability and dependency globally. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered an early indicator of developing dementia. There are growing efforts to detect and diagnose MCI earlier; consequently, we need to understand the perspectives of individuals and carers regarding the implications of an MCI diagnosis. Objective:To systematically review qualitative literature to understand the impact of a MCI diagnosis on both the individual and their carers, focusing on wellbeing, everyday behaviors, and healthcare utilization. Methods:Key search terms were input into five databases. Studies were included if they were peer-reviewed qualitative research published in English that obtained perspectives of community-dwellers with MCI or carers and focused on either their wellbeing, everyday behaviors and/or healthcare utilization. The protocol was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021291995). Data was synthesized narratively. Results:Key findings from 15 eligible articles highlighted the negative impact of an MCI diagnosis on the wellbeing of both individuals and carers, due to stigma and limited understanding regarding diagnosis/prognosis. Changes in everyday behavior varied, particularly regarding motivation to engage with physical activity, hobbies and social opportunities. Both individuals and carers were sometimes dissatisfied with healthcare services; ineffective communication during clinical consolations highlighted as a reason for lack of trust in clinicians. Conclusions:Results indicate that an MCI diagnosis impacts both people with MCI and their carers across key facets of life. There is a critical need to effectively communicate the diagnosis and prognosis of MCI to support wellbeing and everyday activities and ensure trust in healthcare services.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, caregivers, cognitive dysfunction, early diagnosis, mild cognitive impairment, quality of life, systematic review
