Abstract
This review investigates patient and carer experiences of the transition to dementia. The majority of people with dementia do wish to know about their diagnosis. Challenges for the person with dementia involve coming to terms with loss on multiple levels. For family carers, the main concerns involve becoming the main decision-maker and adjusting to the increased responsibility. The provision of continuing support and information tailored to individual needs is of importance. There appears to be some evidence that the term “Alzheimer’s Disease” carries more negative connotations than “Dementia”.
Reference
Robinson, L. Gemski, A. [and] Abley, C. [et al] (2011). The transition to dementia – individual and family experiences of receiving a diagnosis: a review. International Psychogeriatrics / IPA, February 1st 2011. (Click here to view the PubMed abstract).
Note: This particular review is only one output stemming from a much wider research report produced by the Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.:
Full Text Link (the full report).