Doctor in TIME explains the risks of concealing a dementia diagnosis
Memory disorders specialist Dr. Zaldi S. Tan, in an article for TIME, drew attention to the consequences of concealing a dementia diagnosis. According to him, in the early stages of the disease, people often limit the circle of those they tell about their condition. Because of shame and stigma, some distance themselves from their social surroundings and stop activities that previously brought them pleasure.
Stigma and privacy
The author emphasizes that the confidentiality of medical information is a fundamental right. At the same time, speaking publicly about a diagnosis can raise awareness of the disease, help other patients receive support, and contribute to research. Tan notes that many people still mistakenly consider dementia a mental disorder rather than a neurological disease, like Parkinson's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
As an example of the impact of publicity, he mentions actor Michael J. Fox, who disclosed his Parkinson's disease diagnosis nearly three decades ago. According to the author, Fox's foundation has since raised more than $3 billion for research into the disease. Tan also writes that approximately half of people with dementia have their diagnosis documented in medical records.
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Scale of the disease and care
More than 57 million people worldwide live with dementia, and nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year. According to the estimate cited in the article, 152 million people will have Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia in 2050. In the United States, 7.4 million people aged 65 and older live with dementia.
Tan warns that concealing a diagnosis may deprive a person of help if their primary caregiver suddenly becomes unavailable. He advises families to identify in advance a relative, friend, or neighbor who can check on the safety of a person with cognitive impairment and, if necessary, help with food and medications. The author adds that it is important for people with dementia to maintain social connections.
