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The impact of diagnostic disclosure in dementia: a qualitative case analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 April 2005

Els Derksen ,
Myrra Vernooij-Dassen ,
Freek Gillissen ,
Marcel Olde-Rikkert  and
Philip Scheltens
Els Derksen
Affiliation:
Centre for Quality of Care Research, Alzheimer Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Myrra Vernooij-Dassen
Affiliation:
Centre for Quality of Care Research, Alzheimer Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Freek Gillissen
Affiliation:
VU- Medical Centre, Alzheimer Centre Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Marcel Olde-Rikkert
Affiliation:
Department of Geriatrics, Alzheimer Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Philip Scheltens
Affiliation:
VU- Medical Centre, Alzheimer Centre Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract

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.

Discussion: 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.

Keywords

Grounded theorycarerrelationships
Type
Case Reports
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 17 , Issue 2 , June 2005 , pp. 319 - 326
Copyright
© International Psychogeriatric Association 2005

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