The guide / Part 16
Worried about your memory? Questions to ask your doctor
Contents
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Before you go, write down what you have noticed, bring a family member or friend who can describe it, and list every medicine and supplement you take. The Alzheimer's Association says to see a doctor if you notice such signs. A clinician then decides which checks suit you; we cannot judge your case.
You have noticed something. Maybe it is repeated questions, a missed appointment, or a word that will not come. Booking the visit is the hard part. Going in prepared makes it shorter, calmer and more useful.
When is it time to see a doctor about memory?
The Alzheimer's Association lists ten early signs and says that people with one or more of them should talk to their doctor to find the cause. The first on its list is memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as forgetting recently learned information or asking the same questions over and over.
In our reading, forgetting a name now and then is common in midlife, and we cannot judge your case. A clinician can. If you are unsure whether what you notice counts, that uncertainty is itself a reasonable reason to ask. For the wider picture, see normal aging vs. early dementia.
How should you prepare for the appointment?
The Alzheimer's Association's guide to visiting your doctor suggests bringing five lists. In plain terms:
- Changes you have noticed in your health, mood, memory and behaviour. Be as specific as you can: what happened, when, how often.
- Past and current medical problems.
- Every prescription and over-the-counter medicine you take.
- Vitamins and supplements you have added.
- Your questions, written down so you do not lose them in the room.
The NHS adds one more idea: ideally, bring someone who knows you well to help describe the changes. They may have seen things you have not. Ask them beforehand to jot down examples too.
Also note whether any relatives had memory problems, and be ready to answer questions honestly. In our reading, a short written timeline is the single most useful thing to hand over.
What questions should you ask your doctor?
The Alzheimer's Association suggests asking what tests will be done, what each involves, how long they take, and how long results take. Those are a good start. A fuller checklist to copy:
- What might be causing the changes I have described?
- What tests do you recommend, and what does each involve?
- How long will the tests take, and when will I hear the results?
- Could any of my medicines or supplements be affecting my memory?
- Should my mood, sleep or hearing be checked as well?
- Which blood tests are being done, and why those? (See our guides on vitamin B12 and thyroid.)
- Do I need a specialist, and how long is the wait?
- What should I watch for, and when should I come back sooner?
- Is there anything I should write down or track before the next visit?
It is fine to ask the doctor to repeat things or write them down. Your companion can take notes while you talk.
What might the doctor check?
No two assessments are identical, and your doctor decides what fits you. Sources we read describe these common elements:
- Medical history, including psychiatric history and the history of memory and behaviour changes (Alzheimer's Association).
- A physical exam, which may include vital signs and blood or urine samples, and a neurological exam looking for problems other than Alzheimer's (Alzheimer's Association).
- Memory and thinking tests. The NHS describes a memory or cognitive test; the Alzheimer's Association names tools such as the Mini-Mental State Exam.
- A mood check. The Alzheimer's Association notes that depression can cause memory problems that overlap with dementia symptoms.
- Brain imaging. The Alzheimer's Association says a standard workup often includes an MRI or CT scan; the NHS says a specialist may arrange one.
- A medication review. A 2018 American Academy of Neurology guideline on mild cognitive impairment (MCI), since retired and so possibly out of date, recommended evaluating modifiable risk factors and discontinuing medications that impair cognition.
Not everyone needs every item. The Alzheimer's Association also says some blood tests have been cleared by the FDA to measure proteins linked to Alzheimer's-related changes, and spinal fluid tests exist. Whether any of these is right for you is a question for your clinician.
What happens after the visit?
The NHS says that if other causes are ruled out, a GP may refer you to a specialist such as an old-age psychiatrist, geriatrician or neurologist, who often work in memory clinics. The specialist may arrange further tests, such as a CT or MRI scan, and more detailed memory tests.
For people with MCI, the 2018 AAN guideline (since retired) said clinicians should monitor cognitive status over time and discuss diagnosis and prognosis. In our reading, that suggests follow-up visits rather than one verdict, but your clinician sets the plan. The NHS also says most cases of dementia can be diagnosed after these assessments.
The NHS describes referral as a step that may follow once other causes are ruled out, and we found no source saying what a referral means for any one person. In our reading, going in with questions, and leaving with a plan for what happens next, is the realistic goal for a first visit.
When should you not wait?
Do not wait for a scheduled check-up if the changes disrupt daily life, if a relative or friend has raised concerns, or if things are clearly getting worse. The NHS says to go to A&E or call 999 (the UK emergency number; in the US, 911) if someone suddenly becomes confused, because many causes of sudden confusion need to be assessed and treated as soon as possible. A sudden change in speech or behaviour, in our reading, is also a reason not to wait for a routine visit.
If you are unsure which category you are in, call the practice, describe what you have noticed, and ask how soon to be seen. See also midlife forgetfulness and brain fog in your 40s and 50s.
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you what is behind your own memory changes. Please talk to a doctor or other qualified health professional about your situation.
Seeing a doctor about memory, answered
Who should I see first about memory problems?
Usually a primary care doctor. The NHS says that if you are worried about your memory it is a good idea to see a GP, who may later refer you to a specialist such as a neurologist or geriatrician. We cannot advise on your own situation.
Should I bring someone to the appointment?
The NHS suggests bringing someone who knows you well to help describe the changes they have noticed. A companion can also take notes and remember what the doctor said.
What should I bring about my medicines and supplements?
The Alzheimer's Association suggests lists of your current prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, and a separate list of any vitamins or supplements you have added. Bring the labels or the bottles if that is easier.
What tests might I have?
It depends on your doctor and your history. Sources we read describe a history, a physical exam, memory and thinking tests, a mood check, blood and urine tests, and sometimes an MRI or CT scan. Ask which are planned for you and why.
Does a referral mean something is seriously wrong?
We cannot say what an individual referral means. According to the NHS, a GP may refer you to a specialist (old-age psychiatrist, geriatrician or neurologist), who may work in a memory clinic and arrange more detailed tests.