• Learning about amyloid beta buildup (Alzheimer’s risk) doesn't increase emotional distress but reduces anxiety, irrespective of the risk level.
• Motivation to maintain healthy habits declines over time in individuals who receive both positive and negative Alzheimer's risk assessments.
• Understanding the psychological impact of risk disclosure is crucial for the future implementation of Alzheimer's preventive therapies and maintaining patient motivation.

Several recent studies have focused on understanding the psychological impact of informing individuals about their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, particularly through the use of amyloid PET scans. These scans can detect the presence of amyloid beta plaques in the brain, a key indicator of Alzheimer's risk, even before symptoms appear. The studies explore how this knowledge affects anxiety, depression, memory concerns, and, crucially, the motivation to maintain healthy lifestyle habits that can mitigate the risk or slow down the progression of the disease. The findings highlight the importance of personalized approaches to risk disclosure and the need for strategies to sustain long-term engagement in cognitive health behaviors.

• What: Studies show that disclosing Alzheimer's risk based on amyloid PET scans can impact anxiety levels and motivation for maintaining healthy lifestyles.
• Who: Researchers at Rutgers, the Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel, Baylor College of Medicine, and healthy adults aged 40+ with a family history of Alzheimer's disease.
• When: Studies published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia (Rutgers study), Baylor College of Medicine article published April 30, 2025, with related event on May 1, 2025, and other articles published in May 2025.
• Where: Research conducted in Israel and the U.S., with a community event held in Houston, TX.

The studies consistently show that disclosing Alzheimer's risk, whether elevated or not, does not necessarily lead to increased emotional distress, and in some cases, may even reduce anxiety. However, a significant concern is the observed decline in motivation to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, regardless of the risk status. This is particularly relevant as preventative Alzheimer's therapies become more likely, as sustained engagement in healthy behaviors is crucial for maximizing their effectiveness. Future research should focus on developing strategies to maintain motivation and promote personalized approaches to risk disclosure that consider individual differences in emotional responses.

The findings suggest that disclosing amyloid presence does not negatively affect participants, and simply knowing the results seems to decrease negative feelings overall.

The decrease in motivation to implement lifestyle changes after the disclosure of elevated or non-elevated [amyloid beta] status warns against false reassurance during the disclosure process.

While learning about Alzheimer's risk through amyloid PET scans appears to be psychologically safe in terms of anxiety and depression, the observed decline in motivation for healthy habits is a cause for concern. As preventive Alzheimer's therapies emerge, it's crucial to develop strategies to sustain long-term motivation and engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviors. This will likely involve personalized approaches to risk disclosure and ongoing support to help individuals maintain their commitment to cognitive health.