Question

After initial diagnosis/disclosure to the patient and the family, should Alzheimer's patients, particularly those diagnosed with neurocognitive disorder (formerly dementia), be reminded that they have the disease? Provide rationale for your stance.

Answer 1

After initial disclouse and diagnosis to the patient and family of Alzheimers patients, it is good to remind them of the disease if forgotten and confused as to why episodes of memory loss or other symptoms of Alzheimer is occuring. Also before disclosing again to the patient, care must be taken to see if support system and relevant care is in place. It provides clarity to the patient to understand what is happening to them. Of course depression and anxiety will be present, therefore there is no need to constantly remind them. Only when absolutely necessary with the consultation of family members and relatives.