Talk With Your Doctor
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Ready to talk cognitive health? ||| h2
It’s never too early to start a conversation with your doctor about your cognitive health, which is how well you think, learn, and remember.
Doctor Discussion Guide ||| h3
Arriving at your appointment prepared to talk about brain health can help you have a more productive conversation. Planning ahead can also help you feel more confident in creating and managing your cognitive health plan in partnership with your doctor. Here are some topics that may relate to your brain health that you might want to bring up to your doctor.
$Download, screenshot, or print this guide, and bring it to your next appointment to discuss with your doctor. |||red-text$
At your appointment, ask your doctor about the following: ||| h3
01
What risk factors do I have for dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease and how can I better manage them for my long-term cognitive health? Things to consider:
- Family history or genetic markers
- Other risk factors such as: blood pressure and cholesterol, blood sugar, diet and exercise, tobacco and alcohol use, and history of depression
02
How do I know if memory and thinking issues I experience now or in the future are a normal part of aging or something more?
Make sure to tell your doctor if you are concerned about having or are currently experiencing memory and thinking issues, such as:
- I have trouble finding the right words or I misplace important items
- I make occasional mistakes with managing finances or household bills
- I forget appointments, upcoming events, or have trouble recalling time or place
03
Can I get a cognitive assessment to help establish a baseline of my cognitive health to help monitor any changes in memory and thinking over time?
04
What tests can check for changes in the brain, like evidence of amyloid plaques, for people with memory and thinking issues?
Are P-tau217 blood tests an option?
Experiencing memory and thinking issues? ||| h3
Find a memory care specialist to discuss evaluation and testing, including P-tau217 blood tests to detect biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease. ||| text-align
Advocating for Yourself ||| h3
If you run out of time during your visit or feel uncertain about the advice you receive, remember that it’s okay to ask for a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Your health is too important to leave any concerns unresolved. Being a strong self-advocate means voicing your needs and experiences, asking questions when you don’t understand something, and staying actively involved in decisions about your care.
