Introduction
Effective communication with your doctor is important for you and your family when you are seeking a diagnosis for memory or other thinking problems. It is important to ask questions, be prepared to answer questions, and be as honest as possible.
What to bring to a visit
- A list of symptoms, when they began and how frequently they occur, documented in the form of a journal or the use of care logs.
- A list of past and current medical problems.
- A list of all current medications, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements
Questions to ask about testing
- What tests will be performed?
- What does each test involve?
- How long will the tests take?
- How long will it take to learn results?
Finding additional help
You may want to ask for a referral to a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related diseases.
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Contact your local Alzheimer's Association for a list of Alzheimer's disease specialists in your area.
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Contact an Alzheimer's Disease Center (ADC) at major medical institutions nationwide. There are about 30 of these centers in the United States, funded by the National Institute on Aging. Many centers offer patients and families
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diagnosis and medical management
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information about the disease and services and resources
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opportunities for volunteers to participate in drug trials and other clinical research projects (and support groups and other special programs for volunteers and their families)
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Partnering with Your Doctor Workshop
Partnering with Your Doctor is a two-hour workshop for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers. The workshop provides strategies and resources to make the most of doctor visits and to receive the most effective treatment and care possible from health care providers. See Partnering with Your Doctor Workshop.
