Guidelines For Communicating a Diagnosis of Dementia
Ensure that the setting is quiet and without competing noise and distractions
Ensure that someone is available to support the person after being told about the diagnosis
Speak slowly, clearly and directly to the person
Give one message at a time
Allow time for the person to absorb the information and to form questions.
Information may need to be added later
Written information about dementia can be helpful to take away and provides a helpful reference. Alzheimers Australia has information specifically for people with dementia.
Contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500
What information to share
As a general guide a number of things need to be explained. These include:
An explanation as to why the symptoms are occurring
A discussion of the particular form of dementia, in terms that are appropriate to the persons level of understanding
Any possible treatment for symptoms
The specialised services and support programs that are available for people with dementia
Informing a person that they have dementia is a serious matter, which needs to be handled with great sensitivity, calmness and dignity. It can be a very stressful time for everyone. Dont forget to look after carers, and yourself! Alzheimers Australia offers confidential counselling and support for families, carers and people with dementia.
Contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
Based on:
The right to know? Sharing the diagnosis of dementia, by K Fearnley and D Weeks, and Communicating the diagnosis, Alzheimers Society, Canada
Iliffe S et al. 2009. Primary care and dementia: 1. diagnosis, screeningand disclosure. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry; 24: 895901.