Professional Practice
What is diagnostic overshadowing in dementia care, how can it cause harm, and what should professionals look for instead?
Diagnostic overshadowing means attributing a new problem to an existing diagnosis without properly considering other explanations. A person with dementia can also experience pain, infection, medication effects or another health condition. Notice changes from their usual abilities, comfort, communication or behaviour and describe these clearly to a healthcare professional. Include when the change began and any associated symptoms, without trying to diagnose it yourself. Ask what other causes need assessment rather than accepting that everything is simply dementia. Sudden confusion or a marked change needs urgent medical advice; immediate danger requires local emergency help, not a conversation with Hugo.
Example wording: “This is different from her usual pattern. Could pain or another illness be contributing?”
Hugo, inside The Dementia Assistant, is who you talk to.
Educational guidance, not a diagnosis, not an emergency service.
