Your list will help the doctor decide if your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or some other health problem. The doctor will want to rule out other problems first because the symptoms I have talked about do not always point to Alzheimer’s disease. For example, symptoms that look like Alzheimer’s might actually be caused by problems with the medicines that a person is already taking. For instance, he or she may be the taking the wrong doses or the wrong mixes of medicines. And sometimes a poor diet, being depressed or having other mental health problems can look like Alzheimer’s. These medical conditions can be helped. Yet, seeing a doctor now is needed. If your loved one does have Alzheimer’s you want to know as soon as possible.

Why should you get a diagnosis for your family member sooner than later?
My friends, I know that it can be very hard to even think about going to the doctor to find out if someone you love has Alzheimer’s. You are not alone in your feelings. Families often say they just were not ready to face the possibility that a family member or friend may have the disease.