The impact of diagnostic disclosure in dementia: a qualitative case analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to give an in-depth description of the impact of disclosure of the diagnosis of dementia on a patient and the patient's partner.


METHODS
Grounded theory interview study.


RESULTS
Analysis of the interviews revealed that disclosure had an impact on three key domains: awareness of dementia, interpersonal relationship and social relationships. Disclosure was perceived as a confirmation of the pre-test ideas of both patient and carer. Formal disclosure of dementia was especially relevant for the carer in reconsidering her response to the patient's changed behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
Receiving the diagnosis of dementia can be considered as a crucial moment in the process of becoming aware of the changes in one's life. Moreover, disclosure marks a new phase in the process of caring by the caregiver.
Derksen
Els
E
Centre for Quality of Care Research, Alzheimer Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands. e.derksen@kwazo.umcn.nl
Vernooij-Dassen
Myrra
M
Gillissen
Freek
F
Olde-Rikkert
Marcel
M
Scheltens
Philip
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001364:Awareness / Q000502:physiology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D030881:Disclosure; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D014743:Videotape Recording