Presently stigmas associated with dementia discourage early diagnosis

Some treatments have been shown to provide benefits when started in the early stages

REASONS FOR CONSIDERING an early diagnosis of dementia

  1. Early diagnosis is considered as a means to change the way Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are viewed and managed in societies. Presently stigmas associated with dementia too often create barriers for open discussions and thereby discourage early diagnosis.
  2. Early diagnosis empowers persons to participate in the planning of their lives such as making important decisions about the future including legal, financial and care matters.
  3. Early diagnosis allows for treatments, which can prolong the quality of life. There is no cure however some of treatments have been shown to provide benefits when started in the early stages of the disorder as opposed to the later stages.
  4. Early diagnosis can prepare the person and family members to cope with adjustments which will need to be taken such as preparing for care as well as how to interact with the person with dementia.

To learn more visit these suggested websites

http://www.fightdementia.org.au/understanding-dementia/early-diagnosis-of-dementia.aspx

http://www.alz.co.uk/research/WorldAlzheimerReport2011.pdf

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis