What Belgian geriatricians tell their patients with Alzheimer's disease and why: a national survey.

To check their opinions concerning the disclosure of the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, a questionnaire was sent to all Belgian geriatricians. Of 309 questionnaires, 28.5 percent were returned. 54% of the responders always announce the diagnosis to their patients, 35% prefer to reveal the diagnosis only to patients with mild dementia. Doctors who announce the diagnosis to all their patients were more likely to be men and younger. Geriatricians who believe there is a benefit for the patient were more likely to be younger and to speak Dutch. The main arguments against revealing the diagnosis were the diagnostic uncertainty, the patient's right not to know and fear of provoking a depressive reaction or suicide. Other arguments used against disclosure are discussed.