Diagnosis and Disclosure

• Suggested resources are those that the AAFP panel of experts have chosen as the most effective, comprehensive, and evidence-based information.
• Additional resources provide additional resources and approaches physicians, patients, families, caregivers and support team members may find useful in providing care for patients with cognitive impairment.

Suggested Physician Resources

Disclosing a Diagnosis of Dementia
This article presents recommendations for a compassionate and person-centered approach to the disclosure of the diagnosis with the patient.

Disclosure of an Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis
The Alzheimer’s Association offers information and resources about dementia diagnosis. These two instructional videos show the disclosure of Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and discussions about aspects of assessing cognition.

Patient Questionnaire
Designed for use by the patient, this questionnaire is part of a guideline originally published in the Neurology journal as an educational service of the American Academy of Neurology. It is based on an assessment of current scientific and clinical information to help in developing the diagnosis of dementia and a course of action in care. This tool best applies to patients who have mild dementia.

Family or Caregiver Questionnaire
Designed for use by the family and care provider, this questionnaire is part of a guideline originally published in the Neurology journal as an educational service of the American Academy of Neurology. It is based on an assessment of current scientific and clinical information to help in developing the diagnosis of dementia in the patient.

Driving Contract
The Alzheimer’s Association provides a contract between the patient and caregivers that acknowledge there will be a point in time that the patient should no longer drive a motor vehicle.

Patient, Family, and Caregiver Resources

Helping Family and Friends
I Have Alzheimer’s Disease is a resource helping friends and family live well with the disease. It provides information to assist family and friends on what to expect from the patient and how to maintain a high quality of life.

Living Well
Living Well is a guide from the Alzheimer’s Association for persons living with mild cognitive impairment and early dementia. The resource provides information on moving and staying healthy, as well as shaping a positive attitude and reducing stress.

At the Crossroads: Family Conversations About Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia & Driving
Developed by the Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence and the MIT AgeLab, this guide is designed for people who have dementia and their families to assist in prolonging patient independence and promote safe driving. It provides suggestions for monitoring, limiting and stopping driving, and provides cases on the experiences of family caregivers and people who have dementia.

Additional Physician Resources

After a Diagnosis
After a Diagnosis is a resource from ACT on Alzheimer’s®. Use it to begin the dialog for ongoing case management once the disease has been diagnosed.