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Age and Ageing 2003; 32: 439-441
© 2003, British Geriatrics Society

Short Reports

Secrets and lies: the dilemma of disclosing the diagnosis to an adult with dementia

Martin Fahy1,, Claudia Wald2, Zuzana Walker3 and Gill Livingston1

1 University College London, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Archway Campus, Highgate Hill, London N19 5NF, UK
2 Central and North West London Mental Health NHS Trust, St Charles Hospital, London, UK
3 University College London, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Wolfson Building, London, UK

Abstract

Guidelines state that doctors should reveal the diagnosis to the carer and the person with dementia. Carers may, however, not wish the diagnosis to be disclosed. We investigated carer and patient characteristics associated with the wish for disclosure. Fifty-four per cent of 100 carers wished the diagnosis to be revealed. The only significant predictor of wish for diagnosis to be hidden was a lower Mini Mental State Examination <17. Clinicians should strive for earlier diagnosis and to address carer concerns, disclose the diagnosis and thus avoid the need for secrets and lies.

Keywords: carers, dementia, disclosure, secrets


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