While an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be upsetting, patients can still have “tremendous quality of life, especially in the early stages,” says Laurel Coleman, M.D., an internist and geriatrician in Maine. Coleman says patients and family members facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis commonly want to know: Can I still drive? Can I go the supermarket by myself? What will the future hold? Doctors, psychologists and others on your health team can help answer these questions. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, Coleman suggests the following:
When first discussing Alzheimer’s with the doctor, bring a list of the patient’s current medications and existing health conditions. Here are some additional questions to ask your doctor: 1.What exactly is Alzheimer’s disease? What are the physical symptoms?2. How are Alzheimer’s symptoms different from the usual signs of aging? 3. Is there another medical condition, such as stroke or mental illness, that could be causing these symptoms or making them worse? How can I tell? 4. If that other medical condition is treated, will these symptoms go away?5. Is it possible that medication I’m taking could be causing these symptoms? Are certain medications known to mimic Alzheimer’s symptoms?6. Is there a definitive diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s? What is it? How long does it take to make a diagnosis? 7. What is the usual course of the disease?8. If I have Alzheimer’s, what stage am I in ? What happens next? 9. Who will oversee my condition? Do I need to see a specialist? If so, what kind? A neurologist? A geriatrician?10. Can I still drive? Live alone? Travel?11. My children are concerned about getting Alzheimer’s. Is it hereditary? Is there any genetic testing that could be beneficial? 12. How long can someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s expect to function normally? Is there any way to help an Alzheimer’s patient stay mentally alert?