Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41433051›Full record

SynthesisThe Gerontologist2026

Tools for dementia disclosure: a systematic review of -family caregivers' perspectives and experiences.

Howard Haochu Li, Wilson Wing Chung Tang, Heman Lok Hei Leung, Zesen Gao, Kitman Chan, Vivian Weiqun Lou

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in The Gerontologist, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Howard Haochu LiDepartment of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.ORCID 0000-0003-0318-9921
Wilson Wing Chung TangThe University of Hong Kong Libraries, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.ORCID 0000-0003-2435-9061
Heman Lok Hei LeungDepartment of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.ORCID 0009-0005-1090-805X
Zesen GaoThe University of Hong Kong Libraries, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.ORCID 0009-0001-1734-5094
Kitman ChanThe University of Hong Kong Libraries, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.ORCID 0009-0007-0341-9447
Vivian Weiqun LouDepartment of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.ORCID 0000-0001-7000-1306

Funding

Seed Fund for Basic Research for New Staff at the University of Hong Kong
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND

objectivesThis review focuses on tools used in dementia diagnostic disclosure, particularly from family caregivers' perspectives. With dementia affecting millions globally, caregivers face challenges needing clear information and assistance. The review aims to (a) identify tools used, (b) assess caregivers' preferences and challenges, and (c) highlight gaps to enhance communication strategies in dementia care. RESEARCH DESIGN AND

methodsThis systematic review, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024557806), synthesized evidence from 9 studies on tools for dementia disclosure, with a focus on family caregiver perspectives. A comprehensive search of 8 databases up to September 16, 2025, combined large language model-assisted screening and human review to identify qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies. Thematic synthesis analyzed caregiver preferences, tool effectiveness, and practice gaps.

resultsAcross 5 countries (United Kingdom, Australia, United States, Denmark, the Netherlands), written materials were universally valued (e.g., 80%-95% satisfaction), with visual aids and brain images less common but effective when used. Caregivers preferred direct, comprehensive information (e.g., 98% sought details about behavior and psychological symptoms of dementia) delivered face-to-face, with written backups, although retention challenges (e.g., 61% recall) and inconsistent tool provision persisted. Gaps included limited visual aid adoption and poor postdiagnostic support, highlighting unmet needs. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: This review highlights the importance of tools in supporting caregivers during dementia disclosure and calls for the development of a standardized Dementia Disclosure Evaluation Tool. Despite limitations (e.g., small sample sizes, urban bias), the findings lay the groundwork for improving caregiver support and guiding future research in diverse contexts.

Indexed as

CaregiversDementiaDisclosureTruth DisclosureCommunicationHumansDementia disclosureFamily caregiversSupport toolsVisual aidsWritten materials

Identifiers

PMID41433051
PMCPMC13017596

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.