Updated September 14, 2026 · General education, not individual professional advice.
Understand the words before making a plan
Dementia describes changes in thinking and memory that interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is one cause; other causes include vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementias. Symptoms and support needs differ. A checklist or website cannot identify your diagnosis.
- Ask which diagnosis is suspected or confirmed, and what is still uncertain.
- Ask the clinician to explain test results and possible next steps in plain language.
- Memory concerns can have other causes. Ask for an evaluation rather than assuming every change is dementia.
Learn more: NIA: What is dementia? ↗ · NIA: Memory problems, forgetfulness, and aging ↗
Memory concerns and mild cognitive impairment
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) involves more thinking or memory difficulty than expected for age, while many everyday activities remain manageable. MCI does not always progress to Alzheimer’s disease. If changes are worrying you, bring examples and a timeline to a clinician.
- Record what changed, when it started, and how it affects your day.
- Bring a current list of medicines and supplements for review.
- Ask how follow-up will work and whom to contact if something changes.
Learn more: NIA: Memory problems, forgetfulness, and aging ↗
After a diagnosis: take one conversation at a time
You can ask for information in writing, choose a trusted person to come with you, and decide how you want to share the news. A diagnosis does not mean every decision must be handed to somebody else.
- Choose one person you would like on your support team.
- Ask about available treatments, their possible benefits and risks, and whether a specialist referral is appropriate.
- Make a short list of daily tasks you want to continue and the support that would help.
Learn more: Alzheimer’s Association: I Have Alzheimer’s ↗
Plan with the person, at their pace
Begin conversations about future care and important documents while the person can explain their wishes. Work with appropriate professionals on decisions about health, finances, and legal authority. Needs and preferences can change, so revisit the plan.
- Choose a follow-up date instead of trying to solve everything in one sitting.
- Agree who keeps appointment notes and who handles one practical task.
- Use the living-with-memory-changes page for questions written directly to the person experiencing changes.
Learn more: NIA: Planning after a dementia diagnosis ↗
Source links and educational wording checked on September 14, 2026. This is not a clinical review. For questions about your situation, contact a qualified medical, legal, or financial professional.