[Risk and benefits of disclosing a diagnosis of dementia].
While dementias represent an important problem of social health, they remained underdiagnosed. Data from the literature suggests that only 30% of cognitive impairment are detected and correctly evaluated, while most of the patient (up to 90%) and caregivers (up to 70-80%) ask for a precise diagnosis. Proper evaluation increase diagnostic accuracy from 30% to 80% but 20% of diagnoses remains inexact. Diagnostic disclosure seems to have a positive impact on patient's affective symptoms but is associated to an increase of suicide during the following 3 months, and thus must be a progressive and controlled process. Accompanying a patient in this process necessitates complexes competencies from the primary care physician. Difficulties related to this disclosure are counterbalanced by benefits for both patient and families.
Département de Médecine, Université et Hôpital Cantonal de Fribourg.
Franz Josef
FJ
Holzer
Frédéric
F
Assal
André
A
Laszlo
Jean-Marie
JM
Annoni
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D030881:Disclosure; D005104:Expert Testimony; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000592:standards; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards; D018570:Risk Assessment