Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When your loved one is concerned about changes that may indicate Alzheimer's disease, it can be a challenge for him or her to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. Here are some questions you may want to ask. To print this list of questions and take it to your loved one's doctor as a reminder, click here.

		Do the symptoms indicate a problem?
		Is Alzheimer's disease one of the possible things that might be causing these symptoms?
		Are there other conditions that might be causing the symptoms?
		Could any of the medications currently being taken cause the symptoms?
		Will tests be needed in order for you to make the diagnosis? Which ones?
		How long will it be before I will know the diagnosis?
		If it is Alzheimer's disease, what should I expect?
		What medicines are available?
		Can these medicines help slow the worsening of symptoms? Which ones?
		How do these medicines work?

Questions the Doctor May Ask

The doctor will want to ask questions as well. You may want to think about the possible questions he or she may ask before you go, so that you can help be better prepared to answer them.

You can expect the doctor to ask the following.

		Forgetting conversations, appointments, or holidays?
		Having difficulty finding the right words to express your thoughts?
		Repeating stories or questions?
		Getting lost in places that are familiar to you?

		Forgotten how to do familiar activities, like cooking or making repairs?
		Had difficulty doing bills or balancing the checkbook, or thrown away bills before paying them?
		Been misplacing things more often than usual?

		Lost interest in friends, hobbies, or other activities that were once enjoyable?
		Been resisting change or new activities?
		Become more upset or angrier than usual?
		Often felt sad?

Once you and the doctor have figured out what the problem is, you will not be alone. You will find that there is a great deal that can be done to help.