Watch: Why Diagnosis Matters
More than half of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease have never been told of their diagnosis. 335,000 Californians with dementia lack basic diagnostic information needed to access medical treatment, social services, community supports, advanced care planning and clinical trials. Uninformed patients have twice the rate of hospitalizations.
If you notice any of the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or someone you know, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Early detection allows for more time to plan for the future and you can get the maximum benefit from available treatments, which help maintain independence longer. Early detection allows caregivers to develop a relationship with doctors and other care providers, as well as look at the different care options available ahead of time. Watch the below video to learn more about why diagnosis matters.
Helpful information related to this story:
- The 2016 Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report
- Share our Facts and Figures video
- Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
- Disclosing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis (The Alzheimer’s Association recommends this video to primary care providers as an example of a doctor who honestly and gently informs a patient and her husband of her diagnosis.)
This video is next-to-useless, in that the sound quality is terrible.