Questions to Ask the Doctor After a Dementia Diagnosis
A dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to leave the appointment with more questions than answers. In honor of World Alzheimer’s Month, here’s a list of questions to bring to the doctor. Write down the answers or ask if you can record the conversation.
About the diagnosis
- What type of dementia is this, and how sure are you?
- What tests were done, and are more needed?
- What stage is it in?
- Could anything else be contributing, such as medicines, sleep problems, depression or hearing loss?
About treatment
- Are there medicines that could help with memory or thinking?
- Would my loved one be a candidate for newer treatments for early Alzheimer’s? What are the risks and benefits?
- Are there medicines to avoid with this type of dementia?
- How can we manage symptoms like sleep problems, anxiety or hallucinations?
- Are there clinical trials we should consider?
About what to expect
- How is this condition likely to change over time?
- What changes should we watch for, and when should we call you?
- Is it safe for my loved one to drive, manage money or stay home alone?
About support
- Can you refer us to a specialist, such as a neurologist, geriatrician or neuropsychologist?
- Are there local support groups, education programs or social workers you recommend?
- What should we do now about legal and financial planning?
Take the next steps
After the appointment, consider meeting with an elder law attorney to put powers of attorney and advance directives in place, and start learning about care options before you need them. Early planning gives your loved one a voice in decisions about their future.
Have questions about memory care for someone you love? Call Generations Senior Living at (352) 474-2696 or schedule a tour of one of our three homes near The Villages.
