Disclosure of the diagnosis of dementia: Benefits and risks

According to the estimates in the World Alzheimer Report 2015, there are 46.8 million people living with dementia worldwide in 2015. The number of older people living in higher income countries is projected to increase by just 56%, 138% in upper middle income countries, and 185% in lower middle income countries and by 239% in low income countries, during 2015-2050. Ensuring early diagnosis becomes a priority strategy which benefits the person with dementia and their caregiver. Despite the improvements, currently in England approximately two thirds of the people with dementia do not have a formal diagnosis. In contrast there are no clear strategies and priorities in developing and low income countries where the burden is quite high. Everybody has a “right to know” about the diagnosis, condition, information, and advice available to the people with dementia. There are associated risks and benefits of disclosing a diagnosis of dementia, both to the person with dementia and their carer. This paper aims to critically examine risks and benefits of disclosing the diagnosis of dementia. A relevant literature search was conducted to critically discuss the benefits and risks of disclosure of diagnosis. The present paper has categorised and critically discussed the benefits and risks of disclosure. The author concludes that the benefits of disclosure outweigh the risks of disclosure. Disclosure of diagnosis can improve the quality of life of people with dementia.