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Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Often Withheld From Patients

A new study found that fewer than half of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are told they have the disease. The reason most often cited for not informing patients was a desire not to cause emotional distress.

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A patient at Sagebrook Health Center, a nursing facility in Cedar Park, kneads putty to build fine-motor coordination and dexterity. Officials from Sagebrook and other facilities have raised concerns about a proposed rule that would have the state close nursing homes found to have the highest-level violations of federal quality standards on three separate days over 24 months.
Credit: Callie Richmond

A new study found that fewer than half of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are told they have the disease. The reason most often cited for not informing the patients was a desire not to cause emotional distress. But some patient advocates say not telling patients robs them of the opportunity to prepare, as well as to maintain their dignity. (The Washington Post)

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