Experiences of People Diagnosed with FCD in MAS

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    An Exploration of the Experiences of People Diagnosed with Functional Cognitive Disorder within Memory Assessment Services

  • IRAS ID

    352511

  • Contact name

    Natasha Stace-Wood

  • Contact email

    nms338@student.bham.ac.uk

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 8 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD) is a non-degenerative condition marked by subjective cognitive difficulties that disrupt day-to-day functioning. Emerging evidence links FCD to factors such as attentional dysregulation, difficulties with emotional processing, impaired sensorimotor prediction, and self-agency.

    Despite indications that FCD is relatively common in memory-clinic populations, it remains under-researched and poorly understood. In particular, little is known about how people with FCD experience the diagnostic process or the adequacy of post-diagnostic support.

    This study therefore aims to explore the lived experiences of individuals diagnosed with FCD within Memory Assessment Services.

    OBJECTIVE 1

    To explore individuals’ experiences of their journey to and through the memory assessment service while living with cognitive symptoms impacting on their daily functioning.

    OBJECTIVE 2

    To understand individuals’ experiences of being diagnosed with a functional cognitive disorder and how this has affected them.

    OBJECTIVE 3

    To gather information about ways in which individuals have managed their cognitive symptoms.

    It is hoped this study will improve our understanding of the unique experiences of people living with FCD. This may have impacts on future diagnosis and treatment processes.

  • REC name

    Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    25/YH/0192

  • Date of REC Opinion

    17 Sep 2025

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion