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Dementia

Questions to ask the doctor

If someone in your family has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia, you might want to ask their doctor some questions to find out more about the disease.

Here are some questions that you might want to ask.

Why do you think my family member has dementia?
What's causing their dementia? Is it

Alzheimer's disease
People who have Alzheimer's disease slowly lose their memory and ability to think clearly. As the disease gets worse, they get more confused and start acting differently. Several changes happen in the brain that stop it working properly. Small lumps called amyloid plaques grow in the parts of the brain used for memory and thinking. And bundles of twisted threads called 'neurofibrillary tangles' form inside brain cells. These stop brain cells communicating with each other, and they can cause cells to die. Also, in Alzheimer's disease, the brain does not have enough chemical messengers (neurotransmitters), and holes or gaps appear where brain cells have died.

Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia?
Could there be another reason for the symptoms?
Do they need to see a specialist?
Do they need to have any tests? If so, what kind of tests?
Will the symptoms get worse?
How will the symptoms change over time?
What can I expect in the future?
Will I be able to cope with caring for him or her at home?
Where can I get help to do this?
Will my relative need to go to a nursing home?
If so, when will I need to arrange this?
Will there be regular appointments?
What treatments can you give? What can they do?
Is anyone else in my family at risk of getting this type of dementia? If so, is there anything they should be doing?

This information was last updated on Mar 05, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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