Questions to Ask
Your Doctor for Women

You and Your Doctor >> Questions to Ask Your Doctor for Women

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Going to see the doctor? Even the best physician can't give you the right answers if you're not asking the right questions. Our simple, structured, and easy to read "Questions to Ask Your Doctor" section helps put you in control of your healthcare.

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Review the following 'Questions To Ask' about Alzheimer's disease so you're prepared to discuss this important health issue with your health care professional.

1. How much experience do you have in diagnosing and treating people with Alzheimer's disease? If you haven't had much experience with Alzheimer's patients, can you recommend a specialist who has?

2. Which tests will be performed and what can I, or the person I'm worried about, expect to experience during those tests?

3. How quickly will I, or the person I'm concerned about, learn the results of those tests?

4. How can you be sure the problems I'm experiencing are really Alzheimer's and not just part of the normal aging process?

5. What changes can I expect over time in behavior and mental capabilities? How quickly will these changes occur?

6. What treatments are available for these symptoms? What side effects are likely to occur?

7. Can I or the person I'm worried about make some changes in the immediate surroundings or activities that don't involve medical treatments that could possibly alleviate some of the symptoms?

8. Do you recommend any alternative treatments, such as vitamin E supplements or ginkgo biloba, to help the situation?

9. Are there clinical trials in this area that could possibly improve this situation? Do you recommend I or the person I'm concerned about participate?

10. Should coworkers and friends be told about this diagnosis? Do you have any advice about the best approaches to use in discussing Alzheimer's with them?