More Doctor Questions

What medications are available to help my parent?

Several prescription drugs may be used to slow or improve (but not reverse) the symptoms of Alzheimer's. They don't work in all patients, however, and your parent's doctor may or may not recommend one.

For each medication the doctor mentions, make sure you understand its specific purpose -- which symptom it treats and how -- as well as any possible side effects. Ask what you should do if your parent happens to miss a dose or take the wrong dose, and find out how to make keeping track of medications easier for your parent.

Also check with the doctor before your parent starts using any herbal remedies. Ask whether he thinks they're effective (based on the latest research), whether there might be harmful side effects or interactions with drugs your parent is currently taking, and what dose would be safe to use. Don't forget to mention vitamin supplements your parent uses or wants to use in any discussion of medicine.

What non-drug therapies are available to help my parent?

The majority of support available to someone with Alzheimer's isn't from drugs. Given the medical emphasis in many doctor's offices, your parent's doctor may neglect to mention them, so it's an important topic to bring up.

Would your parent benefit from a support group? Some exist for newly diagnosed patients in the early stages. What about counseling, especially if your parent is at particular risk for depression? Or perhaps behavior modification programs designed to boost memory or reinforce routines? Also, ask your parent's doctor for recommendations on improving her diet or what he thinks about adding exercise to her daily plan.

Who should we talk to regarding Alzheimer's care?

Connecting with a geriatric care specialist can be enormously helpful in dealing with a progressive disease like Alzheimer's, which will cause your parent's needs to change over time. Most physicians work with or know of good geriatric care managers, consultants, or therapists who can help you find the right resources and arrange a care plan. The practice itself may have advanced practice nurses, counselors, and therapists on staff to help you.

Among the types of specialists to whom you may want to ask for referrals, depending on your parent's situation:

• physicians (geriatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist)

• home health care professionals (such as a visiting nurse)

• occupational therapists (a health professional who can evaluate your parent's capabilities and environment and suggest changes to help her maintain independence)