Information and advice received by carers of younger people with dementia

Abstract

Aims and Method. Retrospective information on advice and information received post-diagnosis was obtained from 40 carers of younger people with dementia, using a semi-structured interview. Results. Twelve carers received services from old age psychiatry, the remaining 28 from predominantly adult psychiatry or neurology. Those in receipt of old age services reported greater adequacy of diagnostic information, higher levels of advice giving and more frequent referral to social services. Clinical implications. While old age services were more successful on the parameters examined, the gradually emergent nature of the diagnosis may be a crucial factor in the lack of information and advice received by the comparison group.