Alzheimer Disease: Vernooij-Dassen M

Rikkert MG, Teunisse JP, Vernooij-Dassen M. · No affiliation provided · Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. · Pubmed #16273991 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

van der Vorm A, Rikkert MO, Vernooij-Dassen M, Dekkers W, Anonymous00037. · Department of Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, the Netherlands. · Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. · Pubmed #17477450 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in the heritable aspects of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The ethical implications of this kind of research are also attracting attention. However, relatively few open-ended qualitative studies have been carried out to study these aspects. OBJECTIVE: To explore and analyse ethical issues raised by genetic research into AD. METHODS: A modified focus group technique. RESULTS: Participants stressed the importance of relatives in genetic research and suggested a family consent procedure. The consent procedure ought to be more uniform within Europe and should allow for variation in the types of research being done. The long-term results of genetic research into AD are expected to be positive while the short-term results seem likely to be negative. The perception of AD as a disease could be changed by the results from genetic research into AD, and this could have effects at the individual level (feelings of guilt and responsibility for one's own health). CONCLUSIONS: (1) The role of the family in genetic AD research differs from its role in other biomedical research into AD. The development of a family consent procedure might solve some informed consent problems. (2) Negative social consequences of genetic AD research are expected in the short term, but there are hopes of positive consequences in the long term.

Olde Rikkert MG, van der Vorm A, Burns A, Dekkers W, Robert P, Sartorius N, Selmes J, Stoppe G, Vernooij-Dassen M, Waldemar G. · Department of Geriatrics, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands. · Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. · Pubmed #18509105 No free full text.

Abstract: In this article, the authors describe how the European Dementia Consensus Network developed a consensus on research ethics in dementia, taking into account the questions posed by the era of genetic research and its new research methods. The consensus process started with a Delphi procedure to analyze relevant stakeholders' positions by describing their statements on the possibilities and limitations of research into genetic determinants of Alzheimer disease and to describe and analyze the moral desirability of genetic research on Alzheimer disease. The conclusions drawn from the Delphi procedure fuelled the development of the consensus statement, which is presented in this paper. The consensus statement aims to stimulate ethically acceptable research in the field of dementia and the protection of vulnerable elderly patients with dementia from application of inadequate research methods or designs.

van Hout H, Vernooij-Dassen M, Poels P, Hoefnagels W, Grol R. · Centre of Quality of Care Research, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands. · Br J Gen Pract. · Pubmed #10897518 links to  free full text

Abstract: Since the introduction of agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and in order to increase understanding of a patient's changed behaviour, it has become particularly important that dementia is both diagnosed at an early stage and differentiated into its subtypes. This study aims to ascertain whether GPs were able to diagnose dementia and identify the type of dementia accurately and confidently. GPs were well able to assess the firmness of their own dementia diagnoses, which supposes that they are able to make appropriate selection for referral. Diagnostic support from a specialised team can particularly contribute to identifying the type of dementia.