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ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL |
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Good communication can enable a person to get the most out of a visit to a physician or other healthcare professional.
Being open and asking questions help toward understanding, proper diagnosis and treatment.
When you go to see your clinician, it is helpful to have a family member go with you and to bring your current medications, notes on symptoms and other issues, as well as other medical records. It is also helpful to prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor.
Ask:
- What is the diagnosis?
- What other tests should be taken?
- Should we see a neurologist, geriatrician or other specialist?
- How does the disease progress (symptoms, time span)?
- What are all the available treatment options?
- What is the effectiveness of each medication, in terms of memory, behavior and other symptoms?
- What are the side effects, dosage, possible drug interactions, and risks and benefits of each treatment?
- What changes in my condition should we report to you?
- In addition to medication, what do you recommend in terms of diet, vitamins, physical exercise and other lifestyle changes?
- What mental exercises can we do to stimulate the brain?
- Are there any clinical studies (new drug trials) that could be helpful? What are the risks and benefits?
- What advice can you provide regarding care?
- Do you have information about community resources, such as support groups, educational workshops and services for my family?
- Will you be speaking with my other doctors?
- How often should we see you?
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