General practitioners' perspectives on blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease

Thomas Claessen; F C W Visser; B C van Munster; W M van der Flier; M Jiménez-Mausbach; A C van Harten; C E Teunissen; L N C Visser

doi:10.1002/dad2.70186

General practitioners' perspectives on blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease

Thomas Claessen^*
, F C W Visser
, B C van Munster
, W M van der Flier
, M Jiménez-Mausbach
, A C van Harten
, C E Teunissen
, L N C Visser

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) blood biomarkers could improve the diagnostic process for patients with cognitive complaints presenting to primary care. We investigated general practitioners' (GPs') perspectives on facilitating and hindering factors associated with the use and implementation of AD blood biomarkers.

METHOD: In this qualitative, semi-structured interview study, we used purposive sampling to recruit a heterogeneous group of 18 Dutch GPs. Qualitative data analysis of interview transcripts was based on the Theoretical Domains Framework.

RESULTS: GPs believed that AD blood biomarkers could have both positive and negative consequences. Mentioned positive consequences included facilitating an accessible diagnostic process, clarity about the etiology, and life planning. Mentioned negative consequences were imposing a psychological burden on patients and possible AD over- or underdiagnosis.

CONCLUSION: While AD blood biomarkers may have potential benefits according to GPs, additional evidence, definition of context of use and logistics, and adoption of guidelines are needed for eventual implementation.

HIGHLIGHTS: GPs experience a knowledge gap regarding AD and AD blood biomarkersAD blood biomarkers could inform GPs, enabling decision-making in primary careGPs perceive various harms and benefits associated with the use of AD biomarkersInformation, education and guidelines are key factors for successful implementation.

Original language	English
Article number	e70186
Pages (from-to)	1-11
Number of pages	11
Journal	Alzheimer's and Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment and Disease Monitoring
Volume	17
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1002/dad2.70186
Publication status	Published - Oct 2025

Keywords

Alzheimer’s disease
barriers
blood biomarkers
facilitators
general practitioners
implementation
primary care

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10.1002/dad2.70186Licence: CC BY-NC

Alz Dem Diag Ass Dis Mo - 2025 - Claessen - General practitioners perspectives on blood biomarkers for Alzheimer sFinal published version, 490 KBLicence: CC BY-NC

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Claessen, T., Visser, F. C. W., van Munster, B. C., van der Flier, W. M., Jiménez-Mausbach, M., van Harten, A. C., Teunissen, C. E., & Visser, L. N. C. (2025). General practitioners' perspectives on blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's and Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment and Disease Monitoring, 17(4), 1-11. Article e70186. https://doi.org/10.1002/dad2.70186

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AU - van Harten, A C

AU - Teunissen, C E

AU - Visser, L N C

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N2 - BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) blood biomarkers could improve the diagnostic process for patients with cognitive complaints presenting to primary care. We investigated general practitioners' (GPs') perspectives on facilitating and hindering factors associated with the use and implementation of AD blood biomarkers.METHOD: In this qualitative, semi-structured interview study, we used purposive sampling to recruit a heterogeneous group of 18 Dutch GPs. Qualitative data analysis of interview transcripts was based on the Theoretical Domains Framework.RESULTS: GPs believed that AD blood biomarkers could have both positive and negative consequences. Mentioned positive consequences included facilitating an accessible diagnostic process, clarity about the etiology, and life planning. Mentioned negative consequences were imposing a psychological burden on patients and possible AD over- or underdiagnosis.CONCLUSION: While AD blood biomarkers may have potential benefits according to GPs, additional evidence, definition of context of use and logistics, and adoption of guidelines are needed for eventual implementation.HIGHLIGHTS: GPs experience a knowledge gap regarding AD and AD blood biomarkersAD blood biomarkers could inform GPs, enabling decision-making in primary careGPs perceive various harms and benefits associated with the use of AD biomarkersInformation, education and guidelines are key factors for successful implementation.

AB - BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) blood biomarkers could improve the diagnostic process for patients with cognitive complaints presenting to primary care. We investigated general practitioners' (GPs') perspectives on facilitating and hindering factors associated with the use and implementation of AD blood biomarkers.METHOD: In this qualitative, semi-structured interview study, we used purposive sampling to recruit a heterogeneous group of 18 Dutch GPs. Qualitative data analysis of interview transcripts was based on the Theoretical Domains Framework.RESULTS: GPs believed that AD blood biomarkers could have both positive and negative consequences. Mentioned positive consequences included facilitating an accessible diagnostic process, clarity about the etiology, and life planning. Mentioned negative consequences were imposing a psychological burden on patients and possible AD over- or underdiagnosis.CONCLUSION: While AD blood biomarkers may have potential benefits according to GPs, additional evidence, definition of context of use and logistics, and adoption of guidelines are needed for eventual implementation.HIGHLIGHTS: GPs experience a knowledge gap regarding AD and AD blood biomarkersAD blood biomarkers could inform GPs, enabling decision-making in primary careGPs perceive various harms and benefits associated with the use of AD biomarkersInformation, education and guidelines are key factors for successful implementation.

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KW - blood biomarkers

KW - facilitators

KW - general practitioners

KW - implementation

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ER -

General practitioners' perspectives on blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease

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