Background: Decisions around disclosure of a diagnosis of dementia are not always patient-centred; a plethora of literature supports the notion that physicians do not always clearly and directly disclose the diagnosis to the person with dementia. Aim: To conduct a thematic review of the literature in relation to the effects of disclosing a dementia diagnosis to the person with dementia. Method: The literature was searched between February 2013 and June 2013. To enable detailed appraisal and analysis, only studies conducted from 2006 onwards were reviewed. Results: The perceived negative impacts of disclosure, i.e. depression and suicidal tendencies, were not as common as the background literature suggests. Disclosure had many positive outcomes, for example in terms of future planning and the ‘relief’ that a recognised disease was the cause of the symptoms as opposed to ‘old age’. Discussion: The person with dementia has a right to disclosure in all instances, even if to decline a formal diagnosis. Through omission of a clear diagnosis, the person is disempowered. A clear diagnostic framework is absent. Diagnosis should take place over multiple sessions, not only to facilitate coping but also for practical reasons, for example to allow adequate recall.

The number of people with dementia who have not received a formal diagnosis is high, in the UK and also internationally. Government strategies aim to raise public and professional awareness about the condition and increase rates of timely diagnosis. Benefits associated with timely diagnosis include earlier access to medication and being able to plan future care. Despite these benefits, a number of factors contribute to delay in, or in some cases denial of, diagnosis to people with dementia. This article aims to provide nurses, who are important healthcare professionals in the diagnostic process, with an overview of the literature on disclosing diagnosis to people with dementia.

No abstract

No abstract

Since the late 1990s the NHS has been committed to providing a quality health service and delivering consistency in the provision of health care throughout the UK.

No abstract

Since the late 1990s the NHS has been committed to providing a quality health service and delivering consistency in the provision of health care throughout the UK.

No abstract