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SEEKING A DIAGNOSIS
It may be difficult to get someone showing early signs of cognitive problems, short term memory loss, behaviour or personality changes, to seek help from a doctor. A common response is denial. Early degeneration may be gradual and insidious. People experiencing difficulties and those close to them often learn to compensate, sometimes quite unaware that this is what is happening. It may be necessary for a family member or friend to make the appointment for the person and be prepared to accompany the person to appointments and tests. It is a good idea to involve as many family members as possible in the provision of both the practical assistance and the emotional support that the individual will need during the diagnostic process.
Be prepared to answer questions.
A family member or friend taking someone to the doctor to seek a diagnosis should be prepared for the fact that they will have to answer questions and provide information to assist in the diagnostic procedure. You should be prepared to answer a series of questions and it may assist you to think about them beforehand and perhaps even make some notes. The doctor may want to know about
- when symptoms first appeared and how they have changed over time
- other medical conditions and medications (both prescription and over the counter drugs)
- family medical history - family history of Alzheimer's and other degenerative diseases, of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and heart disease, of neurologic or psychiatric conditions
- lifestyle factors - eating and drinking habits; perhaps even sexual activity, where this may be a risk factor
It is likely that the doctor will request time alone with each individual. If there are language problems or cultural differences that need to be taken into consideration, then it is best that a translator be provided who is not a close family member.
Be prepared to ask questions.
It may also help to write down the questions that you will want the doctor to answer before you go to the appointment. Things you may want to ask include
- What sort of tests will be performed?
- How long will the tests take?
- How long will it take to learn the results?
- How do we learn the results?
- What costs are involved?
Be prepared for it to take time.
Be prepared to be patient and expect the process to involve a series of tests and take a fairly long time. Since there is no single indicator of Alzheimer's Disease, diagnosis involves a process of elimination of other possibilities. The diagnostic process will be extensive and involve a variety of procedures.
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