Dementia Diagnosis? Key Questions to Ask the Doctor
Your first step after a dementia diagnosis? Start the conversation with your doctor.
There is not a single test to diagnosis dementia. Dementia is a group of symptoms that result in a decline of memory and mental ability that affects a person’s daily life. Impairment includes memory, communication and language, ability to pay attention, reasoning, judgment and visual perception.
Doctors review medical history, conduct physical exams, complete lab tests and monitor changes in behavior or function. Whether it is you or a loved one who has been diagnosed, you may not know where to start. Here are 13 questions to ask your doctor:
- What’s my type of dementia – Alzheimer’s or another form?
- Could it be something else?
- What are my options for treatment?
- Are any new or emerging treatments available?
- What are the side effects of my medications?
- How will my condition likely progress?
- How long can someone live independently with an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis?
- What is the best place to receive care? Are there home health options?
- What steps will make our home safer?
- Are there support groups or services available in our area?
- How can a caregiver help?
- Is this condition genetic?
- What steps should I take next?
Need skilled nursing, therapy or social services at home?
Memorial Home Services provides home nursing, health and home therapy services throughout central Illinois.
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