Neurologists Urged to Integrate Spiritual Assessment to Support Patients Facing Identity-Eroding Chronic Diseases

New UCLA research provides neurologists with practical tools to integrate spiritual assessment into care for patients with Parkinson’s and dementia.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 9, 2026, 6:08 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from UCLA Health Sciences

Addressing the Erosion of Identity in Progressive Neurological Disease

Patients diagnosed with conditions such as Parkinson's, dementia, or epilepsy face a unique form of suffering that transcends physical symptoms. These diseases fundamentally attack the core components of human identity, including memory, movement, and the ability to communicate. According to lead author Dr. Indu Subramanian of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, spirituality is often the primary framework through which these patients find meaning and make critical treatment decisions. Despite this, many neurologists feel unequipped to engage in these sensitive conversations, leaving a significant dimension of the patient's experience unaddressed during routine clinical visits.

The Disconnect Between Patient Interest and Clinical Training

Data cited in the research indicates a substantial gap between patient desires and the current reality of neurological practice. Approximately 60% of American adults express a clear interest in having their religious or spiritual concerns acknowledged within a medical setting. However, clinicians frequently report a reluctance to initiate these discussions, citing a lack of formal training, time constraints, and general discomfort. The paper argues that failing to bridge this gap can lead to unaddressed spiritual distress, which is documented to result in lower quality of life and a weakened bond between the patient and the medical team.

Implementing the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model of Care

The researchers advocate for an expansion of the traditional medical framework to include spirituality as a distinct and measurable dimension of health. This "biopsychosocial-spiritual" model recognizes that a patient's belief system is a foundation for resilience rather than a mere supplement to physical therapy. Multiple major medical organizations have endorsed this integrated approach, yet its application in neurology remains inconsistent. By validating a patient's faith or sense of purpose, neurologists can foster improved coping mechanisms and ensure that medical goals are better aligned with the patient’s personal values and long-term outlook.