Neurologist, author and care partner Daniel C. Potts, MD, FAAN is calling on fellow neurologists to foster a culture of compassion in dementia care. While neurologists most commonly diagnose and manage the care of people with dementia, Potts observes they may be hindered in offering practical advice and resources to support the person with dementia and care partners.

In a new article published in Practical Neurology, Potts notes compassionate dementia care includes making a timely and accurate diagnosis, delivering health news with empathy, guiding individuals and families toward resources for education and support, as well as advocating for change within dementia focussed organizations. Yet with up to 60% of neurologists experiencing burnout, comprehensive and compassionate dementia care by neurologists may be lacking.

Poor clinical interactions may have far-reaching consequences, including undermining trust in physician–patient relationships, negatively affecting treatment plan compliance, and affecting individuals’ perceived self-worth and caregivers’ well-being.

– Daniel C. Potts, MD, FAAN

In this insightful first-person interview, Potts explores a woman’s experience of being diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment contrasted with her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Throughout, the article details practical steps neurologists, and other health care providers, can take to clearly and compassionately deliver traumatic diagnoses and highlights recommendations to help them partner with and support care partners.