Assess the patient and family's understanding of the situation, which can provide you with a framework to explain the diagnosis and prognosis in an understandable way. By asking about their understanding of the situation, you may be able to discern some of the cultural overlay and belief system of this family. Ask about their fears, which will let you address the aspects of dementia they find most frightening. Allow them to express their feelings openly, and let them know that it is quite normal to have an emotional response to bad news. Respond to the feelings expressed with empathy.
Physical touch can convey sympathy and solace.
Be prepared to give information in an honest and simple fashion. Some authors recommend proceeding in steps, giving information in digestible units and allowing time at subsequent visits to give more details as the patient and family process the information. There will certainly be interest in treatment, and it would be useful to have a handout or pamphlet outlining treatment options, including any experimental therapy protocols available in your area. Similarly, a handout on available community resources would be helpful, including family support groups, legal and financial counseling, day care programs, housing options, etc. This type of advance preparation reassures the patient and the family that you are informed about dementia, and that they will not be left alone with the burdens of the illness.