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Background: The Italian Fund for Alzheimer's and other dementias approved in 2020 enabled the conducting of a survey in the Italian Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias (CCDDs) to analyse the organization, the administrative features and the professionals' characteristics. Aims: To investigate the current use of neuropsychological (NP) tests in Italian CCDDs and the association between the use of a basic set of tests for neuropsychological assessment (NPA) and organizational/structural characteristics of CCDDs. Methods: A survey was conducted with an online questionnaire in all CCDDs between July 2022 and February 2023. To verify the use of a comprehensive NPA in the diagnosis of cognitive disorders and dementia, we identified a minimum core test (MCT). Results: The CCDDs using a Minimum Core Test (MCT) significantly increased from 45.7% in 2015 to the current 57.1%. Territorial CCDDs using MCT significantly increased from 24.9% in 2015 to 37% in 2022 (p = 0.004). As multivariable results, the presence of psychologist/neuropsychologist in the staff and the University-based/IRCCS CCDDs increased the probability of using MCT (OR = 9.2; 95% CI 5.6–15.0; p < 0.001 and OR = 5.4; 95% CI 1.9–15.9; p = 0.002, respectively), while CCDDs in Southern Italy-Islands showed a lower probability than those in the North (OR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.2–0.7; p = 0.001). Discussion: Almost half of CCDDs (43%) do not use MCT in their clinical practice. The presence of the psychologist/neuropsychologist on the staff has a key role in the adoption of MCT and regional differences have increased over the past years. NPA is crucial in the diagnostic process and in characterizing risk profiles in order to implement targeted interventions for risk reduction. Conclusions: Our results could help to identify good practices aimed at improving dementia diagnosis. An intervention by health policymakers is urgently needed with the aim of improving diagnostic appropriateness and overcoming regional differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The wait for the upcoming disease-modifying therapies (DMT) for Alzheimer's disease in Europe is raising questions about the preparedness of national healthcare systems to conduct accurate diagnoses and effective prescriptions. In this article, we focus on the current situation in Italy. Objective: The primary goal is to propose a profile of the Italian Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias (CCDDs) that could be taken into consideration by regional and autonomous provincial authorities when deciding on the prescribing centers for DMT. Methods: Based on responses to a national survey on CCDDs in Italy, we identified the CCDDs that meet the requirements for effective prescription: 1) Multidisciplinary team; 2) Minimum Core Test for the neuropsychological assessment; 3) PET, CSF, and Brain MRI assessments. Univariate and multivariate comparisons were conducted between CCDDs that met the criteria and the others. Results: Only 10.4% of CCDDs met the requirements for effective DMT prescription, mainly located in Northern Italy. They are also characterized by longer opening hours, a higher number of professionals, a university location, and a higher frequency of conducting genetic tests, and could potentially result in prescribing centers. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the Italian national healthcare system may benefit from further enhancements to facilitate the effective prescription of DMTs. This could involve initiatives to reduce fragmentation, ensure adequate resources and equipment, and secure sufficient funding to support this aspect of healthcare delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A new national survey has been carried out by the Italian Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias (CCDDs). The aim of this new national survey is to provide a comprehensive description of the characteristics, organizational aspects of the CCDDs, and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A list of all national CCDDs was requested from the delegates of each Italian region. The online questionnaire is divided in two main sections: a profile section, containing information on location and accessibility, and a data collection form covering organization, services, treatments, activities, and any service interruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Results: In total, 511 out of 534 (96%) facilities completed the profile section, while 450 out of 534 (84%) CCDDs also completed the data collection form. Almost half of the CCDDs (55.1%) operated for 3 or fewer days a week. About one-third of the facilities had at least two professional figures among neurologists, geriatricians and psychiatrists. In 2020, only a third of facilities were open all the time, but in 2021, two-thirds of the facilities were open. Conclusion: This paper provides an update on the current status of CCDDs in Italy, which still shows considerable heterogeneity. The survey revealed a modest improvement in the functioning of CCDDs, although substantial efforts are still required to ensure the diagnosis and care of patients with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]