Year: 1988 Source: The Journal of Family Practice, v.26, no.4, (1988), p.401-406 SIEC No: 19880490

Following either of 2 ethical approaches, a strong rights-oriented or a best-outcome position, lead to the conclusion that patients ought to be told that they have Alzheimer’s disease. Over 90% of 224 adult patients waiting to see their physicians wanted to be told; reasons included planning for care, obtaining a second opinion, & settling family matters. A case description made several patients feel suicidal, but reactions to not being told were mostly negative.