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   Only 45% of people with Alzheimer's disease are given their diagnosis   
      
      
      
   Last updated: Tue 24 Mar 2015 at 7am PST   
   Alzheimer's / Dementia Seniors / Aging Primary Care / General Practice Public   
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   Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease is crucial for patients to plan for the future,   
   but many people are being deprived this information according to a new study.   
   The Alzheimer's Association found that only 45% of people with Alzheimer's   
   disease or their    
   caregivers report they were told the diagnosis by their doctor.   
   Doctor consulting with patient.   
   A prompt and clearly explained diagnosis can help individuals to access   
   medical care and support services and give them the opportunity to make   
   informed decisions about current and future treatment plans.   
   The 2015 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report also found that over 90%   
   of people diagnosed with the four most prevalent cancers - breast, colorectal,   
   lung and prostate - state that they were told their diagnosis.   
      
   "These disturbingly low disclosure rates in Alzheimer's disease are   
   reminiscent of rates seen for cancer in the 1950s and 60s, when even mention   
   of the word cancer was taboo," says Beth Kallmyer, vice president of   
   Constituent Services for the Alzheimer's    
   Association.   
      
   The Alzheimer's Association estimate that 5.3 million Americans have   
   Alzheimer's disease, including an estimated 5.1 million people aged 65 and   
   above. They believe that this number will rise to a total of 13.8 million by   
   2050.   
      
   Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, whereby there is   
   progressive brain cell death over time, characterized by cognitive decline   
   until the individual is severely impaired.   
      
   According to the report, people with Alzheimer's or their caregivers were more   
   likely to report being told the diagnosis only when the disease had reached a   
   more advanced stage. Receiving a diagnosis later in the course of the disease   
   can compromise an    
   individual's capacity to plan for future care, finances and the fulfillment of   
   life goals.   
      
   "It is of utmost importance to respect people's autonomy, empower them to make   
   their own decisions and acknowledge that people with Alzheimer's have every   
   right to expect truthful discussions with their physicians," says Kallmyer.   
      
   A common reason for this lack of disclosure cited by health care providers was   
   the fear of causing a patient emotional distress. Despite this, the report   
   states that other studies exploring this issue have found that few patients   
   become depressed or    
   experience other long-term emotional problems after receiving a diagnosis.   
      
   'A triple threat unlike any other disease'   
   "Based on the principles of medical ethics, there is widespread agreement   
   among health care professionals that people have the right to know and   
   understand their diagnosis, including Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. William   
   Klunk, chair of the Alzheimer's    
   Association Medical and Scientific Advisory Council.   
      
   In addition to the revelation of low disclosure rates in Alzheimer's disease,   
   the report also details the prevalence, mortality and economic impact of the   
   condition and other dementias. Kallmyer explains why the disease is such a   
   problem:   
      
   "Alzheimer's is a triple threat unlike any other disease - with soaring   
   prevalence, lack of effective treatment and enormous costs. Promising research   
   is ready for the pipeline, but there's an urgent need to accelerate federal   
   funding to find treatment    
   options that effectively prevent and treat Alzheimer's."   
      
   From 2000-13, deaths from Alzheimer's disease increased by 71%, in contrast to   
   a decrease in deaths from other major diseases such as heart disease and   
   stroke. Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the US and   
   the fifth-leading cause    
   among people aged 65 and above.   
      
   The disease is also a huge financial burden; the report describes it as the   
   costliest disease to society. In 2015, payments for caring for people with   
   Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are estimated at $226 billion, with   
   $153 billion of this total    
   coming from Medicare and Medicaid. These payments are projected to increase by   
   2050.   
      
   "Congress must continue its commitment to the fight against Alzheimer's by   
   increasing funding for Alzheimer's research by $300 million in fiscal year   
   2016, including increased federal research funding for better Alzheimer's   
   diagnostic tools to increase    
   the certainty of diagnosis," Kallmyer states.   
      
   "The findings from this report shine a light on the need for more education   
   for medical students and practicing health care providers on how to   
   effectively make and deliver an Alzheimer's diagnosis," concludes Dr. Klunk.   
      
   Recently, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that a new diet   
   developed by researchers could significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer's   
   disease.   
      
   Written by James McIntosh   
      
      
      
   http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/291352.php   
      
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