Risks and Benefits of Clinical Diagnosis Around the Time of Dementia Onset

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Journal

Gerontology & geriatric medicine

Volume

9

DOI

10.1177/23337214231213185

Keywords

caregiving and management; clinical geriatrics; cognitivie impairment; dementia; literature review; public health/public policy

Abstract

Diagnostic delay in dementia is common in the U.S. Drivers of diagnostic delay are poorly understood, but appear related to misconceptions about dementia, stigma, concerns about autonomy, the nature of the diagnostic process, and provider-related factors. There is little quantitative evidence underlying cited risks and benefits of receiving a diagnosis around the time of dementia onset, including impacts on physical health, impacts on mental health, care partner interactions, costs of care, increased time for care planning, or earlier access to treatment. While various groups continue to push for reductions in diagnostic delay, realization of benefits and mitigation of harms will require new research on potential benefits and harms. Workforce and resource constraints, coupled with the expected growth in the number of persons living with dementia, may be a barrier to realization of potential benefits and mitigation of identified harms, which will require adequate access to providers, services, and supports.

Department

Health Policy and Management

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS