Stigma a hurdle in Alzheimer’s

Concern over stigma and denial can delay diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease for years, meaning patients do not receive treatment that could slow its progress, according to a survey released Tuesday. When spouses or other relatives who care for patients are concerned about the stigma associated with the disease, delay of the diagnosis averages six years after symptoms first appear, the survey by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America showed.

“Any delay in diagnosis is a setback for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers -- and a delay of two years or more is a serious and unnecessary setback,” said Eric Hall, chief executive of the foundation.

According to the report, based on interviews with a cross-section of 539 U.S. adults who care for people with Alzheimer’s, lack of knowledge about the disease is a barrier to diagnosis for two in five surveyed.