Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is a neurological disorder wherein the brain cells die leading to loss of memory and cognition. The disease gets progressively worse over time. Once diagnosed with Alzheimer’s it becomes imperative to work closely with the doctor and the healthcare team in putting together the best treatment plan that will take into account factors like age, severity, symptoms and caregiver options.
Prior to the doctor’s appointment some of the things you can do are:
- Make a note of all your symptoms: writing in detail regarding specific occurrences of memory loss if any. Making a note of when you first observed some difficulties in memory and if they have gotten worse over time.
- Making a list of all the current conditions you suffer (if any)
- Making a list of all the medications that you take.
- Taking a family member or friend along: This allows in fruitful collaboration in putting forward your difficulties to the doctor and also allowing you to feel supported in their presence.
Once you are at the appointment, asking the doctor some of these questions will help you in making informed decisions.
- Is my memory loss related to my age or do you think I have Alzheimer’s disease?
- What tests do I need to undertake?
- If I do have Alzheimer’s, what treatment do you plan to set in place?
- What are the different treatment options available?
- What are the side effects of the medications?
- Are the current medications I take making it worse?
- How will my other conditions be affected by this?
- What changes should I expect as my condition progresses?
- How long should I continue with the treatment plan before you check for its effectiveness?
- Do you recommend any websites or resources where I can find more information? Will you give me any brochures?
- Are there any upcoming research or new medications for Alzheimer’s that you would know of?
These set of questions are only to give you an idea about what you could ask. Please don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about any information that you don’t understand.It is never easy when you or your family member faces a health concern, but understanding the disease and its symptoms through your health provider helps you in making wiser choices.