Stigma and Alzheimer's disease: causes, consequences and a constructive approach.

The term 'Alzheimer's disease' has entered the vocabulary of ordinary people. This has been useful, encouraging patients and families to seek medical help for conditions that were previously neglected as inevitable consequences of old age. Yet Alzheimer's itself can carry negative connotations. Some people who believe they have Alzheimer's disease are suffering from less sinister and more easily treated conditions. Even when the diagnosis is confirmed, many months of happy and worthwhile life continue for most patients and families if they are given appropriate information and support. It is important that neither families nor clinicians see life with presumed Alzheimer's disease as of no value.