WHY I’M WORRIED ABOUT . . .

DEMENTIA diagnosis. Telling a patient they have a serious illness is always difficult, but breaking the news that the condition is dementia is especially hard.

Unlike cancer or diabetes, no treatment can make a significant difference to the outcome of the illness. And this week, a leading expert said some GPs shy away from giving a diagnosis for fear of giving their patients ‘a label’.

While a diagnosis will not open the door to a cure, it can help bring support from friends and family and, most importantly, it can give patients the chance to make arrangements to live the life they want to lead while they still can.

We must be frank with our patients.