If you had Alzheimer's, would you want to know?

My grandfather has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The doctor said it would be less than a year before he would need to go into assisted living or a nursing home.

The thing that makes me angry, is apparently the doctor told this to my mother and grandmother, but he insisted that they do not tell him. (Or so they say)

Either the doctor thinks that it would devastate him, or my mom and grandma are too scared to tell him and are calling it doctor's orders - I don't know. I just don't understand how a doctor can diagnose a person with something so serious and not tell the patient at all. It seems wrong to me.

Could he degenerate faster if he finds out and gets depressed, or is that a load of bull? I would want to know if it were me. Would you?

Yes, your grandfather has a right to know, while he can still make informed and well thought out decisions. There might be things he would like to take care of before he is no longer able. Or things he would like to do, or things he would like to say to someone. My mother has alzheimers and it is a horrible disease that I pray I never get. Science is working on a vaccine, and you and I should be aware when it is available and be sure to get it. Best of luck to your grandfather and your whole family. It's going to be very sad.

My grandmother has alzheimers... Also our doctor told us not to tell her. i think you shouldnt tell your grandfather for the simple reason that he might not belive you and he could cause a tantrum, it will make things worse and he will stop trusting you. Your doctor knows what he is doing and saying.. listen to him.

My Nan has Alzheimer's & she's known from the start, I think things get worse no matter what you do although they have things that slow it down.
Seeing my lovely Nan get worse by the day is terrible but my Mum says She will care for Her no matter how bad the Alzheimer's gets.
My Nans short term memory has all but gone & other things come & go, my Grandad died years ago & my Nan cries when She forgets & then remembers again!
I know what your family are going through Alzheimer's has got to be one of the worst things you can get as you get older.

I've never heard that you get worse faster, but they could think depression would set in.

But I'm sure he'd want to know, so he can get his affairs in order, say his goodbyes and so on. I know I would want to have as much time to say what I needed to say.