Early diagnosis helps those who have Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias. But there are many obstacles to getting to this diagnosis. From the family or person's reluctance to discuss it with the doctor, to the doctor's reluctance to diagnose. Some of this reluctance stems from the feeling that the diagnosis is like a sentence that confirms the disease, and a feeling that once a diagnosis is obtained nothing more can be done. This is a misconception. There are drug interventions, non-drug therapies, arrangements for emotional and practical support that would help maintain better quality of life as the disease progresses. Remember the disease will still be there, whether it is diagnosed or not. What will happen without a diagnosis is that proper planning for and management of the situation will not take place .
The myths and fears that delay or prevent people from consulting a doctor are discussed in this article. A survey indicates that many do not go to a doctor because a diagnosis would indicate their "life is over."
This irrational fear needs to be dealt with. We cannot put our heads in the sand like proverbial ostriches and wish the ongoing storm away. An early diagnosis that leads to knowledge and information will be a boon for managing the difficult times that dementia brings.
The myths and fears that delay or prevent people from consulting a doctor are discussed in this article. A survey indicates that many do not go to a doctor because a diagnosis would indicate their "life is over."
This irrational fear needs to be dealt with. We cannot put our heads in the sand like proverbial ostriches and wish the ongoing storm away. An early diagnosis that leads to knowledge and information will be a boon for managing the difficult times that dementia brings.
