Should You Tell Someone They Have Dementia?

In most cases, you should tell your elderly parent(s) they have dementia. It is in their best interest to know what’s going on with their health. Chances are, seniors already realize something’s wrong. You can have the discussion with them yourself, but it’s generally best to have a physician explain their diagnosis. A professional will be able to provide answers to any questions and may offer further guidance on how to manage the condition.

It’s important to remember that if your elder receives a dementia diagnosis, they do have the right not to know about it if that’s their clear preference. However, 92% of people with Alzheimer’s have indicated they’d like to know the honest truth. And, 98% of family caregivers and 84% of dementia patients even found it helpful to share and discuss the dementia diagnosis together.

How to get help for your elderly parents’ dementia symptoms? It’s important to find professional help after noticing early symptoms of dementia. Find the right doctor. Doctors who specialize in dementia will ask about problems related to common dementia behaviors. You should look for a physician whose specialty is geriatrics, neurology, or clinical psychiatry.

Communicate observations in detail. The more details you can share regarding warning signs of dementia, the easier it can be for a doctor to determine the cause and tests needed for a diagnosis. The doctor can also develop more effective treatment options for dementia symptoms based on the specificity of the data collected.

JD Miller

About JD Miller

John D. Miller is the founder/owner of Home Care Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts business providing private duty, personalized in-home assistance and companion care services to those needing help in daily activities and household functions. Phone: (781) 378-2164 Email: [email protected] Website: https://homecarepartnersma.com
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