Neurology visits can be short, and dementia questions are easy to remember five minutes after you leave. Bring a written list. Better yet, bring examples.
Diagnosis and stage
- What type of dementia do you think this is, and how confident are we?
- What testing supports that diagnosis?
- Are there reversible problems we should rule out or recheck, like medication effects, sleep issues, depression, vitamin deficiency, infection, or thyroid problems?
- How would you describe the current stage or functional level?
- What changes would make you want us to call sooner?
Medications
- Are any dementia medications appropriate now?
- What benefit are we realistically looking for: memory, function, behavior, or slowing decline?
- What side effects should we watch for?
- Could any current medication be making confusion, falls, sleep, or mood worse?
- Who should manage refills and dose changes?
Behavior and safety
- What should we do about wandering, agitation, repetition, sleep disruption, hallucinations, or delusions?
- Is it still safe for them to drive?
- Are they safe alone at home? If yes, for how long?
- What home changes or equipment would you recommend?
- When should we consider adult day programs, respite care, home care, or memory care?
Follow-up
- When should we come back?
- What should we track between now and then?
- Who should we call if there is a sudden decline?
- Can you refer us to social work, caregiver support, therapy, home health, or local resources?
The most useful question at the end is simple: "Based on what we told you today, what are the two or three things you most want us to do before the next visit?"
Sources
- Alzheimer's Association: Caregiver Support — Caregiver support, stages, daily care, safety, in-home care, legal planning, and local resources.
- Alzheimer's Association: Stages and Behaviors — Behavior and caregiving needs change as Alzheimer's and related dementias progress.