Clinically meaningful benefit and real‐world evidence in Alzheimer's disease research and care

Abstract In the realm of medical research, assessing novel therapies extends beyond statistical significance. The concept of meaningful benefits plays a pivotal role in determining the practical impact of interventions on patient outcomes. Clinical trials, which form the bedrock of evidence‐based me...

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Main Authors: Robert Perneczky, Lutz Froelich
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-04-01
Series:Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/trc2.70090
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author Robert Perneczky
Lutz Froelich
author_facet Robert Perneczky
Lutz Froelich
author_sort Robert Perneczky
collection DOAJ
description Abstract In the realm of medical research, assessing novel therapies extends beyond statistical significance. The concept of meaningful benefits plays a pivotal role in determining the practical impact of interventions on patient outcomes. Clinical trials, which form the bedrock of evidence‐based medicine, guide treatment decisions and shape health‐care practices. While statistical significance remains a fundamental criterion, it falls short in fully evaluating the clinical relevance of therapeutic interventions. Clinically meaningful benefits focus on tangible improvements in patient health and well‐being, transcending mere statistical thresholds. Key considerations include survival rates, symptom relief, functional status, and other patient‐oriented outcomes. Determining meaningful benefits varies across diseases, patient populations, and available treatments. Balancing statistical rigor with clinical relevance is crucial. Overpowered trials may detect smaller differences than anticipated, necessitating careful interpretation. Researchers must view trial results through a patient‐centric lens. Beyond survival, evaluating quality of life and side effects is equally relevant. Quantifying meaningful benefits involves metrics like numbers needed to treat and progression‐free survival. Consistency across outcomes matters, as clinicians weigh gains in survival against improvements in quality of life. The pursuit of meaningful benefits elevates clinical trials from mere statistical exercises to patient‐centered endeavors. Researchers, clinicians, and regulators must prioritize outcomes that genuinely matter to patients, ensuring that medical progress translates into meaningful improvements for them and their families.
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series Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions
spelling doaj-art-8ab5978ce3f4464f9bb89b964865fe742025-08-20T02:22:09ZengWileyAlzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions2352-87372025-04-01112n/an/a10.1002/trc2.70090Clinically meaningful benefit and real‐world evidence in Alzheimer's disease research and careRobert Perneczky0Lutz Froelich1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy University Hospital, LMU Munich Munich GermanyDepartment of Geriatric Psychiatry Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim GermanyAbstract In the realm of medical research, assessing novel therapies extends beyond statistical significance. The concept of meaningful benefits plays a pivotal role in determining the practical impact of interventions on patient outcomes. Clinical trials, which form the bedrock of evidence‐based medicine, guide treatment decisions and shape health‐care practices. While statistical significance remains a fundamental criterion, it falls short in fully evaluating the clinical relevance of therapeutic interventions. Clinically meaningful benefits focus on tangible improvements in patient health and well‐being, transcending mere statistical thresholds. Key considerations include survival rates, symptom relief, functional status, and other patient‐oriented outcomes. Determining meaningful benefits varies across diseases, patient populations, and available treatments. Balancing statistical rigor with clinical relevance is crucial. Overpowered trials may detect smaller differences than anticipated, necessitating careful interpretation. Researchers must view trial results through a patient‐centric lens. Beyond survival, evaluating quality of life and side effects is equally relevant. Quantifying meaningful benefits involves metrics like numbers needed to treat and progression‐free survival. Consistency across outcomes matters, as clinicians weigh gains in survival against improvements in quality of life. The pursuit of meaningful benefits elevates clinical trials from mere statistical exercises to patient‐centered endeavors. Researchers, clinicians, and regulators must prioritize outcomes that genuinely matter to patients, ensuring that medical progress translates into meaningful improvements for them and their families.https://doi.org/10.1002/trc2.70090Alzheimer's disease and neurodegenerationbiomarker‐based early and accurate diagnosisdisease prevention and early interventiondisease‐modifying and symptomatic treatmentmild cognitive impairment and dementiapatient autonomy and independence
spellingShingle Robert Perneczky
Lutz Froelich
Clinically meaningful benefit and real‐world evidence in Alzheimer's disease research and care
Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions
Alzheimer's disease and neurodegeneration
biomarker‐based early and accurate diagnosis
disease prevention and early intervention
disease‐modifying and symptomatic treatment
mild cognitive impairment and dementia
patient autonomy and independence
title Clinically meaningful benefit and real‐world evidence in Alzheimer's disease research and care
title_full Clinically meaningful benefit and real‐world evidence in Alzheimer's disease research and care
title_fullStr Clinically meaningful benefit and real‐world evidence in Alzheimer's disease research and care
title_full_unstemmed Clinically meaningful benefit and real‐world evidence in Alzheimer's disease research and care
title_short Clinically meaningful benefit and real‐world evidence in Alzheimer's disease research and care
title_sort clinically meaningful benefit and real world evidence in alzheimer s disease research and care
topic Alzheimer's disease and neurodegeneration
biomarker‐based early and accurate diagnosis
disease prevention and early intervention
disease‐modifying and symptomatic treatment
mild cognitive impairment and dementia
patient autonomy and independence
url https://doi.org/10.1002/trc2.70090
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