The Perspective of the Patient with Alzheimer's Disease: A Neglected Dimension of Dementia Research

The status of dementia patients in three research areas is examined and research challenges and opportunities that may substantially increase the authors' understanding of dementia are identified.

Abstract

The patient perspective has been largely ignored in studies of Alzheimer's disease. The person with dementia is often relegated to the status of object rather than legitimate contributor to the research process and much can be gained from a systematic study of patients' views regarding their illness and care. We examine the status of dementia patients in three research areas and identify research challenges and opportunities that may substantially increase our understanding of dementia.