The clinical implications of anosognosia in Alzheimer’s disease

Introduction: Assessing awareness of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is essential for diagnosis and treatment. Anosognosia, defined as impaired awareness of cognitive and functional deficits, is associated with poorer prognosis, reduced decision-making capacity, increased risk of accidents, and earlier institutionalization. Areas covered: This narrative review examines 53 studies. After outlining the main theoretical models of awareness in dementia, the multidimensional nature of anosognosia and its impact on patients’ autonomy and decision-making abilities are discussed. This review also describes the main instruments available for assessing awareness deficits and highlights their relevance in clinical practice. Particular attention is given to the implications of anosognosia for treatment adherence, patient care, and decision making. Expert opinion: Taking care of unaware AD patients represents a challenge, and anosognosia is often underestimated in clinical practice. Evidence suggests that awareness deficits may emerge even in the earliest stages of AD, affecting patients’ autonomy and capacity to make informed decisions. A two-step assessment process is recommended, consisting of an initial screening followed by a comprehensive evaluation carried out by specialized neuropsychologists. Targeted caregiver training is also essential to address the challenges associated with impaired awareness.