Reply to Withholding Alzheimer’s Diagnosis from the Patient

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[quote=Anonymous]The patient is my MIL. My FIL noticed some concerning behavioral changes in her about 6 months ago (got lost driving solo, locally) and has had several follow up appointments with a neurologist.

Latest appointment last week the neuro gave a diagnosis of likely Alzheimer’s (said wrote referral for spinal tap and PET scan for more accurate diagnosis).

FIL decided that MIL not be told what is happening and certainly not told that she has Alzheimer’s. FIL reported privately (ahead of the appointment)  that developing Alzheimer’s has been MIL’s fear. MIL told FIL recently that she would end her life rather than face Alzheimer’s. So, FIL  instructed the nurse and doctor NOT to use the “A-word” or tell her directly what her diagnosis is.

So, we are reeling from the diagnosis and her premeditated thoughts and plans. Anyone ever been through this - keeping the medical information from an elderly person?

MIL insists she feels fine and “normal.” I’ve been reading up on anosognosia ("a neurological condition in which the patient is unaware of their neurological deficit …”) and thinking this applies. [/quote]

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