Developing educational materials to aid in Alzheimer's blood biomarker disclosure.

INTRODUCTION: A crucial step before clinical use of Alzheimer's disease (AD) blood biomarkers is the development of effective methods for disclosing results. This mixed-method study developed educational materials to disclose the dementia risk based on plasma phosphorylated tau (p-tau) results. METHODS: Participants diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 8) and their care partners (n = 7) participated in focus groups discussing the utility of an educational tool and communication preferences. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using NVivo, with two independent coders conducting thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants rated the materials highly regarding value and comprehension. Thematic analysis revealed confusion about dementia progression and terminology. Participants preferred varied communication modes. Participants found utility in these materials but sought additional information on risk reduction. DISCUSSION: These findings highlight the utility of educational materials to aid in the disclosure of AD dementia risk based on plasma p-tau to individuals with MCI and their loved ones. Highlights: Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) find value in receiving blood biomarker results.Additional risk reduction information is helpful when communicating dementia risk.Individuals prefer medical information communicated visually.