Explain Alzheimer disease diagnosis and treatment plan to patient and spouse — CASC communication station

Station brief

Format. Communication station, approximately 7–10 minutes active time after reading. You are the psychiatry registrar in the memory clinic / old-age outpatient setting. [1]

Candidate instructions. Explain probable Alzheimer disease in plain language; address fear that "nothing can be done"; outline blood tests and brain scan purpose without overselling optional research biomarkers; explain starting donepezil with realistic benefits and side-effects; cover driving and safety; explain that behavioural changes are common and usually managed without strong sedatives first; check understanding. Examiner plays the patient; a second role-player may be the spouse. [1][2]