After the diagnosis

PREVIEW

When the words “Alzheimer's disease” are first used regarding a patient with increasing memory and judgment problems, the person involved and his or her family members usually leave the office with sinking hearts. However, Dr Ham believes that using the term is important, because it gives structure to management and can be the impetus to seek information about the disease and learn about local support organizations. Clarifying the diagnosis is but the first of many ways that primary care physicians can assist families in deciding about home care, intensity of treatment, and long-term placement.