c h a p t e r 10
Talking With Patients About
Cognitive Problems
Communicating with a confused patient holds special
challenges. Specific techniques can help health care providers to talk with patients and caregivers about a diagnosis.
“You mentioned having trouble with your memory.”
Jonathan Jones had always been a meticulously organized man.
His bills were paid on time; his car gas tank was always at least half full. He could be counted on to arrive slightly early for every appointment. Dr. Ross knew all this because he’d been taking care of the Jones family for nearly 30 years. So when Mr. Jones missed two appointments in a row, Dr. Ross knew something was not right and called him at home. The phone rang for quite a while before Mr. Jones answered, “Yes? Hello, Dr. Ross. Why are you calling? I don’t have an appointment scheduled with you.” The conversation added to Dr. Ross’s concerns. The doctor made a note on the chart—it was time to broach the subject of memory loss with Mr. Jones. After so many years, this was going to be a hard discussion.
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