Attitudes towards the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease carers and non-carers

Abstract

Background
The primary focus of studies on preferences regarding the disclosure of Alzheimer’s disease diagnoses has been the preferences of AD-carers. Relatively few studies have investigated such preferences in other groups, nor have the reasons behind such preferences been widely or systematically investigated.

Objectives
To provide some preliminary data on AD-disclosure preferences among non-carer older adults and to compare this data to that of AD-carers; to investigate reasons underlying disclosure preference among carers and non AD-carers, and; to explore the level of AD knowledge among carer and non-carer samples and investigate its relationship with disclosure preferences.

Methods
Participants were 20 elderly adults who were not caring for a relative with AD, and 16 older adults who were caring for an AD relative. Participants completed a modified AD knowledge test and a test designed to measure the reasons for and against disclosure of an AD diagnosis.

Results
AD knowledge among AD carers was significantly higher than among non-carers. Views about disclosure of AD diagnoses did not differ between groups though generally opinions were pro-disclosure (at least 85% of the overall sample opted for disclosure). No significant differences were found when preferences for disclosure for oneself versus a significant other were compared. Similar reasons for disclosure were given by carers and non-carers, and included factors such as the persons’ right to know their diagnosis.

Conclusions
Older Australians overwhelmingly supported disclosure of AD diagnoses, whether or not they had previously been through the diagnostic process.