On disclosing Alzheimer’s disease: A need of empathy

The disclosure of an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis is not always carried out following recognized bioethical principles. Inappropriate disclosing attitudes may induce unfortunate psychological impacts on the patients’ well-being, depriving them of an emotionally balanced adjustment to the condition. We present and discuss some examples of such inappropriate professional behavior, contradicting traditional medical teaching that “there are no diseases but patients.” We emphasize patient singularity and the need for a caring and empathy-driven approach to diagnostic disclosure. We underline the need to avoid emotionally charged terms at the time of disclosure and to provide cognitive, physical, and social interaction guidelines as prevention and containment strategies. We call for a revised approach on the appropriate disclosure of an AD diagnosis.