Many Doctors do not share their condition with patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease

A study conducted by Alzheimer's Association, a non-profit organization, found that more than half a million people living in United States could develop the neurological disorder Alzheimer's disease in 2015, but half of them will not be aware of their condition as doctors do not inform the patient.

According to the association, many doctors feel reluctant to give the bad news, but patients would be better if they are aware of their condition. Mary Downs of Reston said that diagnosis gives a patient at least a place to start.

While talking to NBC News, Downs said that there are some things with Alzheimer's disease that can be controlled. There could be a proper plan to help the person with the disease. "When Helen, Downs's mother-in-law, got the diagnosis, we had a chance as a family to say, 'We know she has this.' It kind of gave us the chance to sit down and ask, 'What do the next years with her look like", Downs added.

According to a report by Alzheimer's Association, at present, more than 5 million people in America have the disease, and about 200,000 patients are under the age of 65. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The report also stated that the number could rise to about 13.8 million by 2050.

According to the organization, this year they observed who gets an actual diagnosis. The organization found that just 45% of patients of Alzheimer's disease or their caregivers accepted that they were given a diagnosis by their doctor. The organization also noted that about 90% of the patients with breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer got diagnosis.

Beth Kallmyer, vice-president of constituent services for the Alzheimer's Association, said the low rates of Alzheimer's disease diagnosis are reminiscent of rates that were seen for cancer in the 1950s when the word 'cancer' was taboo.