Why someone would choose to NOT get diagnosed.
FEAR
My experience indicates that most people are paralyzed with fear once they realize that their memory loss is more than just minor forgetfulness. Our ego and personality will help protect us by moving us directly into denial. This denial is just as strong in the person experiencing memory loss as it is with the patient’s family and caregivers.
MISINFORMED
Most people do not know that there are treatment options for the diseases that cause memory loss. The available treatment solutions are new. It is still assumed that nothing can be done to successfully treat memory loss. And therefore, why bother.
Over the last 5 years, I have read thousands of blogs and social media posts from people who are either experiencing memory loss, know someone experiencing memory loss or are a caregiver for someone experiencing memory loss. I have been shocked by how many people will not go to a doctor to determine what they are experiencing.
I understand first-hand the fear that is involved when you think you might be experiencing the early stages of memory loss. My Mom has Alzheimer’s Disease. My grandmother lost her battle with Alzheimer’s Disease in 1998. I have the APOE4 gene. Like any other 50+ adult, I will occasionally be unable to find the right word when speaking with someone. Every time that happens, a part of me is paralyzed and fearful. I become super self-conscience. I am no longer focused on the conversation but on my failure to communicate.
Yes, I understand the fear involved. I also know the best way to overcome any fear is to confront it head-on!
Getting diagnosed with a potential medical condition is essential for several reasons:
- You need to understand the condition your loved one might be dealing with. A diagnosis will help you know what is happening in your loved one’s body & brain. It will clarify their symptoms, the cause, and how the memory loss can be managed or treated.
- A diagnosis will provide access to treatment solutions. Today, we have many treatment solutions to choose from. You can consider medications, therapy, lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and supplementation that can improve your quality of life.
- A specific diagnosis will help prevent future complications. Memory loss conditions will worsen over time if left untreated. Receiving an early diagnosis could help prevent complications and allow for early interventions.
- A diagnosis may provide validation and peace of mind. Receiving a diagnosis can provide a sense of validation for the symptoms your loved one is experiencing. It will confirm precisely what you are dealing with. In addition, a diagnosis may provide peace of mind that the symptoms you are experiencing are not all in your head.
- A diagnosis often comes with access to support groups, educational resources, and healthcare professionals who can provide guidance and support throughout your experience with the condition.
- Having a formal diagnosis may be necessary to access disability benefits, accommodation at work or school, and insurance coverage for treatments.
- Lastly, a diagnosis will open up opportunities to many different research and experimental opportunities for treatments.
Respect the decision made by the family.
Each family that has a family member or loved one experiencing memory loss will have to go through a process to determine how they want to move forward with or without a diagnosis, with or without treatment. Whatever decision they make, we MUST respect that choice.