When a Parent Is Diagnosed With Dementia
7 Sept 2026 · 1 min
0:56
In this brief segment, Dr. David Perlmutter draws on four decades of clinical experience and personal encounters to address families confronting a parent’s dementia diagnosis. He emphasizes that the immediate priority is not only medical evaluation but also how the family proceeds. The core recommendation is to actively involve the diagnosed individual in planning and decision‑making rather than treating them as an absent third‑person. This inclusive approach supports the person’s dignity and benefits the family’s coping process. While acknowledging broader lifestyle and care considerations, the focus remains on preserving agency for the person with dementia during the transition.
