Doctor visits are easier when the caregiver arrives with a short written list of changes, medications, questions, and priorities. The most useful questions usually focus on what has changed, what needs attention now, and what the family should watch for next.
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Questions about changes you are seeing
Ask whether new confusion, sleep changes, falls, appetite changes, agitation, wandering, pain, or changes in daily function could have another medical cause. Be specific about when the change started, how often it happens, and what seems to make it better or worse.
Questions about medications
Ask what each medication is for, what side effects to watch for, whether any medicines may interact, and whether the current schedule is still appropriate. Bring a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
Questions about daily care and safety
Ask whether there are new concerns about driving, falls, wandering, swallowing, bathing, nutrition, sleep, or being left alone. Ask what changes would mean the family should seek help sooner rather than waiting for the next routine appointment.
Questions about the next stage of care
Ask what changes the clinician expects over the coming months, what community services may help, and whether referrals to occupational therapy, social work, neurology, geriatrics, home care, or other services would be useful.
What to bring to the appointment
Bring the medication list, recent observations, a short list of questions, names of other doctors, and any relevant records. If the person with Alzheimer’s wants the caregiver involved in medical discussions, make sure the office has any permissions it needs to communicate with the caregiver.
Trusted references
See the National Institute on Aging caregiver appointment guide and the Alzheimer’s Association guidance on working with the doctor.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from the person’s own health care team.
For printable organization ideas and caregiver planning, visit the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Resource Center or The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Compass™.