Brain Health Journey

I'm here for:

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Getting checked out

Medical Evaluation

Someone you care about scheduled a medical appointment with a clinician because they are having changes in their memory, thinking, or behavior. Or, during a routine medical appointment (like an annual wellness visit or physical), their clinician noticed changes in their brain health.

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

How should we prepare for their medical appointment to get checked out?

Document medications, symptoms, and questions to ask: Make a list of their medications, a list of their concerns and symptoms, and a list of questions to ask their clinician. Questions for the clinician might include:

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

Prepare their medical history: Be ready to share their 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 to the appointment: If possible, they should bring someone they trust to the appointment for support, like yourself. That person 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 their support system: As they begin seeking care, it's good for them to talk to someone they trust. Consider identifying a care partner who can support them through the journey — for example, by joining them at appointments and helping them navigate next steps.
Check their insurance: Their health insurance will impact their journey. Check with their insurance provider before any visits with a healthcare clinician to see what their plan covers.
Visit BrainGuide for more support: Visit BrainGuide to learn how to prepare for a wellness visit and communicate with a clinician.
Follow up after the appointment: If they got referrals for labs, testing, or follow-up appointments, schedule those as quickly as possible. Continue to write down questions for future appointments. Continue to see the PCP regularly.

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

What should we expect from the initial medical appointment? What tests might they get?

As we are looking to start their care journey, how can they get the most out of their health insurance?

Is there anything in their daily life that they 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

Healthcare Providers

Next Steps

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