Dementia - what to ask your doctor
Definition
You are caring for someone who has dementia. Below are questions you may want to ask their health care provider to help you take care of that person.
Alternative Names
What to ask your doctor about dementia; Alzheimer disease - what to ask your doctor; Cognitive impairment - what to ask your doctor
Questions
Are there ways that I can help someone remember things around the home?
How should I talk with someone who is losing or has lost their memory?
- What type of words should I use?
- What is the best way to ask them questions?
- What is the best way to give instructions to someone with memory loss?
How can I help someone with dressing? Are some clothes or shoes easier? Will an occupational therapist be able to teach us skills?
What is the best way to react when the person I am caring for becomes confused, hard to manage, or does not sleep well?
- What can I do to help the person calm down?
- Are there activities that are more likely to agitate them?
- Can I make changes around the home that will help keep the person calmer?
What should I do if the person I am caring for wanders around?
- How can I keep them safe when they do wander?
- Are there ways to keep them from leaving the home?
How can I keep the person I am caring for from hurting themselves around the house?
- What should I hide?
- Are there changes I should make in the bathroom or kitchen?
- Are they able to take their own medicines?
What are the signs that driving is becoming unsafe?
- How often should this person have a driving evaluation?
- What are the ways I can lessen the need for driving?
- What are the steps to take if the person I am caring for refuses to stop driving?
What diet should I give this person?
- Are there hazards I should watch for while this person is eating?
- What should I do if this person starts to choke?
References
Budson AE, Solomon PR. Life adjustments for memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. In: Budson AE, Solomon PR, eds. Memory Loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and Dementia: A Practical Guide for Clinicians. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 28.
Fazio S, Pace D, Maslow K, Zimmerman S, Kallmyer B. Alzheimer's Association dementia care practice recommendations. Gerontologist. 2018;58(Suppl_1):S1-S9. PMID: 29361074 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29361074/.
National Institute on Aging website. Forgetfulness: knowing when to ask for help. order.nia.nih.gov/publication/forgetfulness-knowing-when-to-ask-for-help. Updated December 2020. Accessed January 17, 2023.
Review Date:10/25/2022
Reviewed By:Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.
Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.
