Patient discussions
Physicians should discuss diagnosis, management, and prognosis with the patient, their family, and any other carers. Discussions about future care (including advance decisions) and financial matters should take place at an early stage.[199][200] One case control study in England found an increased risk of suicide in patients diagnosed with dementia, particularly in the first 3 months after diagnosis, among younger patients (under 65 years), and in those with known mental illness.[244] Suicide risk assessment is therefore important for patients in these high-risk groups.
Carers and families of patients with dementia experience significant stress that sometimes leads to depression, verbal and physical abuse of the patient, or dependence on alcohol and other drugs. This may be particularly relevant where the patient has behavioural symptoms such as aggression. It can be helpful to discuss coping techniques with carers, and they should be advised about support groups and advocacy organisations (such as the Association for Frontotemporal Dementias in the US), and other community resources that provide financial assistance, carer counselling, and respite care for the patient. The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration Opens in new window
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