Open AccessTraits of patients who screen positive for dementia and refuse diagnostic assessment
Author(s) -
Fowler Nicole R.,
Frame Amie,
Perkins Anthony J.,
Gao Sujuan,
Watson Dennis P.,
Monahan Patrick,
Boustani Malaz A.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: diagnosis, assessment and disease monitoring
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.497
H-Index - 37
ISSN - 2352-8729
DOI - 10.1016/j.dadm.2015.01.002
Subject(s) - dementia , medicine , diagnostic test , primary care , psychiatry , family medicine , pediatrics , disease , pathology
Abstract Background As part of the debate about screening for dementia, it is critical to understand why patients agree or disagree to diagnostic assessment after a positive screening test. We used the Perceptions Regarding Investigational Screening for Memory in Primary Care (PRISM‐PC) questionnaire to measure the characteristics of patients who screened positive for dementia but refused further diagnostic assessment. Methods Survey of patients ≥65 years old without a diagnosis of dementia attending primary care clinics in Indianapolis, IN, in 2008 and 2009. Results Five hundred and fifty‐four individuals completed the PRISM‐PC and 63 screened positive. Of those, 21 (33%) accepted and 42 (67%) refused diagnostic assessment. In adjusted models, having larger stigma domain scores and living alone were significantly associated with increased odds of refusing the diagnostic assessment. Conclusion Despite screening positive, many patients refused a diagnostic assessment. Living alone and the perceived stigmas of dementia are associated with the refusal of diagnostic assessment for dementia.