After seven years of advocating about the importance of early diagnosis of any type of dementia (Alzheimer's is one type), I would have to say that denial is still the biggest factor in preventing early diagnosis and treatment.

Even my own friends, who have endured my harping for years about getting their parent(s) evaluated at the first signs of short-term memory loss, seem to procrastinate and wait until a crisis occurs.

I couldn't understand how denial could be so prevalent and why anyone...