Talking About Cognitive Health Concerns
Ask Questions1-3
Your doctor is there to guide and support you. If something isn’t clear, keep asking questions until it is clear to you. Don’t be afraid to speak up and to share your opinion. Here are some helpful questions to ask your doctor:
- What exactly are my symptoms?
- Are the symptoms constant? If not, when do I experience them?
- Does anything I do make the symptoms better? Or worse?
- Do the symptoms affect my daily activities? Which ones? How?
- What tests will be performed?
- What does each test involve?
- How long will the tests take?
- How long will it take to learn results?
Click here to download a printable copy of the Cognitive Health Conversation Starter.
What to Carry With You for Your Appointment1
- A list of any changes you or your loved ones have noticed in your health, including your mood, memory and behaviors—be as specific as possible
- A list of past and current medical problems as well as any family history of memory or cognitive problems
- A list of medications being taken including prescription and over the counter
- A list of vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies
Discuss Treatment Goals2
At each appointment, ask your doctor questions such as:
- Are the medications working?
- Do dosages need to be changed or monitored?
As dementia progresses, the goals of treatment will change. Make sure you understand all treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits of each.
Leave With a Plan2
As dementia progresses, the goals of treatment will change. Make sure you understand all treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits of each.
Maintain Updated and Detailed Health Records2
After each appointment, make sure to update your records with any test results or changes to medications or care plans. It’s important to keep a personal health record so care can be coordinated between doctors and information is accessible in an emergency. There are many ways to organize and store personal health information, including online services that make it possible to access records from anywhere at any time.
Getting quality health care depends on teamwork between the person with dementia, their family, and their doctor. Preparing in advance for appointments and having open, honest conversations can help everyone make the most of each visit
Sources
- Alzheimer’s Association. Visiting Your Doctor. (www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/visiting-your-doctor).
- Alzheimer’s Association. Working With the Doctor. (www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/working-with-the-doctor).
- National Institute of Aging. What Do I Need to Tell the Doctor? (www.nia.nih.gov/health/medical-care-and-appointments/what-do-i-need-tell-doctor).
All URLs accessed on September 22, 2025.
