Questions to Ask Your Doctor if You are Experiencing Memory Problems

If you or a loved one is having memory problems, experts say it is important to work closely with your healthcare providers to determine what is going on. If the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s, a treatment plan will need to be created. However as Alzheimer’s is a progress disease, it is important to understand the plan will most-likely need to be updated and amended.   

The Alzheimer’s Association explains the individual and their family members should be told of all available options along with the benefits and risks as the treatment plan evolves. The plan should take into account the person’s age and overall health, current medical conditions, treatment goals and the severity of symptoms and how they are impacting the person’s life. Another important consideration is the living situation of the person and the availability of the support they need. 

To get started on a personalized treatment plan, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a list of questions you can ask of your medical team. These include determining if medications will interfere with drugs already being taken for other medical conditions. Also ask about possible side effects and what to look for; and if the person experiences any, does it mean they will not be able to continue taking the drug? In addition are there any problems with starting one drug and beginning another?

Another question to ask the doctor is how much time is needed before it can be determined if the medication is working. Moreover, is there a time when it should be stopped? 

If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and you are seeking the finest memory care, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar Memory Care at San Tomas. Our website offers lots of information regarding our memory care facility but we are available to answer any questions. We open to residents in spring and look forward to helping you reserve your select suite as we are NOW LEASING. Please ask us about Early Depositor Incentives.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/questions-for-your-doctor