• E-mail
• Print
• RSS

Study: Stigma, denials impede Alzheimer's diagnosis

LTC Liability Monitor, April 6, 2006

Fear of stigma about Alzheimer's disease and denial can delay diagnosis of the disease for up to six years, according to a study. More than half of the caregivers surveyed by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America said that fear of stigma or denial contributed to a delayed diagnosis. When people with Alzheimer's were concerned about the stigma, a diagnosis occurred on average 3.5 years after symptoms appear.

The delay averaged six years when caregivers were worried about the stigma or were in denial about symptoms, according to the survey. That is a problem because a delay in diagnosis affects both the management and treatment of the disease.

• E-mail to a Colleague
• Print
• RSS
• Archive