Exploring Patient Perspectives: A Structured Interview Study on Deep Brain Stimulation as a Novel Treatment Approach for Mild Cognitive Impairment.

INTRODUCTION

Limited treatments for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) highlight the need to explore innovations including Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), with patient perspectives key to ethical protocol development.

METHODS

Seven MCI patients and four care partners were interviewed (Feb 2023-Jan 2024) about daily MCI challenges, desired treatment outcomes, and views on DBS. Thematic analysis following COREQ guidelines identified key themes.

RESULTS

DBS was a novel concept for all (7/7), and most expressed interest (6/7) despite concerns about invasiveness (6/7) and preference to exhaust medications first (4/7). Care partners (4/4) shared concerns about invasiveness and emphasized proven efficacy. Key deciding factors included the involved procedural risk (6/7), desired significant outcomes (6/7), and prior testing for MCI (7/7). Most participants (6/7) were hesitant to be the first to try DBS, while one was willing.

CONCLUSION

Patient and care partner insights on DBS for MCI are crucial for balancing innovation with ethical, patient-centered research.