Alzheimer\'s Disease Is a Highly

¶ … Alzheimer's disease is a highly prevalent condition among older people. This makes it important for physicians to deliver the news in such a way that the person in question and the family can make suitable and effective arrangements for coming to terms with the diagnosis.

The article raises several important and surprising points. The first of these is that physicians tend to be reluctant to give the diagnosis, especially at the beginning stages of dementia, when there is not yet any certainty about the nature or prognosis of the specific condition. The result of this is that treatment regimes and coping mechanisms can only be implemented later, when the illness has progressed to the extent where intervention strategies would be far less effective than at the start.

Another surprising point is that the research has found that the majority of patients do not show a violent reaction to the diagnosis. Instead, many find it comforting to finally have a diagnosis that they can use for further decision making. What is most worrying to these patients is the uncertainty related to a lack of diagnosis. They are also uncertain about what is happening to them, with some believing that they are "going crazy." Carpenter does acknowledge that not all reactions are equally calm, which is why emotional support is also important.

The physician therefore has an important role to play in providing a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. He or she should use clear language, be honest about the prognosis, provide practical advice, and provide emotional support.

While there is no particular section devoted to a literature review, the author cites numerous studies that are relevant to his subject matter. Literature is cited, for example, in the case of the claim that, in general, recipients of the news that they have Alzheimer's disease are relatively calm, and even relieved on the occasion. The author also cites practical studies, either performed by himself or others, to examine the circumstances and effects of delivering the news to patients. Particularly important is his investigation of the way in which the news is delivered. He delivers video taped evidence of the shortcomings, particularly of physician language, when delivering the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. He makes a full critical assessment of these in order to arrive at practical advice that physicians can use to make a more effective and practically useful diagnosis.

The author's use of the literature is therefore well balanced with the rest of his work, including his own conclusions, critical assessments, and recommendations. The article itself is also well organized, with the reader always being fully aware of the author's purpose. The connections between and development of ideas are logical, right to the end of the article. Furthermore, the author makes very important recommendations, and provides a full assessment of the shortcomings of current research and the need for further research.