Disparities in CVD treatment remain among patients with mild cognitive impairment

Compared to individuals with normal cognition, people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) receive fewer cardiovascular disease (CVD) treatments, although most physicians do not think this is reasonable, according to a study.

In this qualitative study, 22 physicians, including 8 cardiologists, 7 neurologists, and 7 primary care physicians, were interviewed. Most participating physicians thought that the disparity in treatment between patients with MCI and patients with normal cognition was unreasonable, although some indicated it could be considered reasonable.

Participants speculated that the reasons for the disparities may include the belief that patients with MCI have worse prognoses than patients with normal cognition; that they are at a higher risk of treatment complications; that their ability to consent or adhere to treatment might be hindered; and that they benefit less from treatments than individuals with normal cognition.

Reference
Blair EM, Reale BK, Zahuranec DB, et al. Perspectives on Why Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment Might Receive Fewer Cardiovascular Disease Treatments than Patients with Normal Cognition. J Alzheimers Dis. 2022;doi: 10.3233/JAD-220495. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36463441.