Healthy Living

Tips for Interacting and Communicating with Alzheimer's Patients

Tips for communicating with doctors

Plan ahead

It is quite common to have a bunch of questions in mind before the appointment and then to forget them all while seeing the doctor. Writing down all your questions and concerns before the appointment may be helpful, whether you are the patient, caregiver, or family member. Bring your list of questions to the appointment and if you get home and discover that you have forgotten some questions, call your doctor right away for answers.

Give thorough details

Make a list of any changes in the patient's life that may be important for the doctor to know. Record any changes in behavior, routine, sleeping habits or eating habits. Be as specific as you can when taking notes. When you enter a change, try to also note when it happens, how often it happens, and whether something seems to trigger the change.