Telling Others About The Diagnosis

If your loved one has not been told his or her diagnosis, consider talking about it with him or her, even if you use words such as "memory problems" instead of "Alzheimer's disease." Talking about the diagnosis allows you to be involved in future plans. Here are a few more tips on how to talk about an Alzheimer's diagnosis:

• Consider sharing the diagnosis with others, even if you are reluctant at first. Doing so will help you to gain support from others. It also relieves both of you of having to pretend that everything is OK.
• Talk about how you will tell others. You may want to tell select friends and relatives one on one. Or you may want to write a letter, as President Reagan did when he received his diagnosis.
• Expect that some people may not believe the diagnosis at first. Alzheimer's disease is in many ways "invisible," particularly in its early stages. Often, those who have it appear healthy. The symptoms are not always apparent.
• Be prepared for the possibility that lack of understanding about the disease may cause some friends and family members not to know how to respond to your news.
• Let people know that calls, cards, letters, and visits are welcome. Tell people what the best times for visits would be.
• Be ready with a list of suggestions for those who ask how they can help.

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Reminder Notes & Memory Aids