Brain Health Journey

I'm here for:

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Getting checked out

Medical Evaluation

You scheduled a medical appointment with a clinician because you or someone you know has noticed changes in your memory, thinking, or behavior. Or, during a routine medical appointment (like an annual wellness visit or physical), your clinician noticed changes in your brain health.

During your appointment, your healthcare clinician may ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. Your clinician may recommend additional steps to identify and confirm the cause of your concerns, such as lab tests, mental health and cognitive tests, or brain imaging.

How should I prepare for my medical appointment to get checked out?

Document medications, symptoms, and questions to ask: Make a list of your medications, a list of your concerns and symptoms, and a list of questions you’d like to ask your clinician. Questions for your clinician might include:

What’s the cause of my symptoms and concerns?
What kind of screening or testing will be done to assess my brain health?
When can I expect results?
Do I need a referral to a neurologist, geriatrician, or memory care specialist?
What symptoms should I look for in the meantime?

Prepare your medical history: Be ready to share your medical history and any health conditions that may be relevant (such as depression, head trauma, stroke, thyroid issues, Alzheimer’s disease, or neurodegenerative diseases in the family).
Bring someone you trust: If possible, bring someone you trust to the appointment for support. They can help by taking notes, providing additional medical history, and assisting with next steps, like scheduling follow-up visits or additional testing.
Continue tapping into your support system: As you begin seeking care, it's good to talk to someone you trust. Consider identifying a care partner who can support you through the journey — for example, by joining you at appointments and helping you navigate next steps.
Check your insurance: Your health insurance will impact your journey. Check with your insurance provider before any visits with a healthcare clinician to see what your plan covers.
Visit BrainGuide for more support: Visit BrainGuide to learn how to prepare for a wellness visit and communicate with your clinician.
Follow up after the appointment: If you got referrals for labs, testing, or follow-up appointments, schedule those as quickly as possible. Continue to write down questions you have for future appointments. Continue to see your PCP regularly.

Bottom line: Getting checked out by a healthcare clinician is an important next step in learning more about your brain health. Prepare for the visit by writing down your questions and symptoms and bringing someone you trust to join you for extra support.

What should I expect from my initial medical appointment? What tests might I get?

As I'm looking to start my care journey, how can I get the most out of my health insurance?

Is there anything in my daily life that I should change at this point?

The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical judgment. Consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding Alzheimer's disease, related conditions, or any medical condition.

Brain Health Journey

Getting checked out

Brain Health Information

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