Long-Term Care

Research suggests doctors' attitudes may determine early Alzheimer's diagnosis

Contemporary Long-Term Care Weekly, July 23, 2009

Recently reported at the 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease in Vienna by Dr. Nerida Paterson, senior lecturer in the discipline of general practice at the University of New Castle, Australia, the factor most responsible for encouraging early Alzheimer’s diagnosis is a doctor’s positive attitude toward the treatment of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Paterson and her colleagues, whose preliminary research is based on interviews with 25 general practitioners (the full study will involve 100), cited “therapeutic nihilism” – or the idea that treatment isn’t critical if an illness lacks a recognized cure – as the greatest barrier of early diagnosis. In addition, doctors often must rely on patients to describe any memory loss symptoms, highlighting the importance of a relative or informant.

The research also suggests that a personal relationship between a doctor and a dementia support service acts as a strong enabler for early diagnosis. Based on Paterson’s findings, the belief that a patient deserves to know as soon as possible, so as to invite careful future planning, was also listed as a factor that encourages doctors to diagnose early.

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