Suggested questions to ask the doctor
Having some prepared questions printed out or on your phone to ask the doctor and/or staff can be helpful since you can forget them in the rush of the moment. The questions below can also be found in the “MD Visit” section of the app - you can add additional questions there as well.
Understanding the Diagnosis:
"Can you explain the type of dementia my loved one has and its typical progression?"
"What symptoms should we expect to see, and how might these change over time?"
Treatment Approach:
"What is your approach to treating dementia? How do you balance medication and non-medication treatments?"
"Are there any new treatments or clinical trials that we should consider?"
Medication Management:
"What medications are you recommending, and what are their potential side effects?"
"How will these medications help with the symptoms?"
Lifestyle and Home Environment:
"What lifestyle changes can we make to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life?"
"How can we make our home safer and more comfortable for someone with dementia?"
Behavioral Changes:
"How should we handle challenging behaviors like agitation, aggression, or wandering?"
"Can you recommend any strategies or resources for managing these behaviors?"
Daily Care and Support:
"What type of daily care will my loved one need as the condition progresses?"
"Can you suggest any local support services or resources for caregivers?"
Health Monitoring:
"How often should we schedule follow-up visits to monitor the progression of the disease?"
"What health indicators are most important for us to monitor at home?"
Planning for the Future:
"What should we know about legal and financial planning for someone with dementia?"
"When is it appropriate to consider long-term care options, and how do we plan for this?"
Caregiver Support:
"What support services are available for families and caregivers of dementia patients?"
"Can you provide any information on caregiver stress and how to manage it?"
Emergency Situations:
"How should we handle an emergency situation related to dementia symptoms?"
"Is there a contact number for after-hour queries or urgent situations?"
Sources: Mount Sinai, Alzheimer’s Association
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