Finding a doctor you like
Because of the slow, long-term nature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is important that caregivers and patients find a health care professional they are able to understand, trust, and work comfortably with over time. Both caregivers and patients will need a physician who not only knows about the typical needs and stresses of AD, but also one who is available and accessible.To this end, caregivers should take the time to develop a list of questions to ask their prospective doctors about the treatment and management of AD.
Tough questions
- How do you manage questions from caregivers?
- Within what time frame do you generally return phone calls?
- How often do you schedule examinations for AD patients and their families?
- What arrangements do you prefer for payment; are you flexible about this?
- What other therapies do you recommend beyond traditional medications?
- Are you involved with clinical trials in this area of medicine?
Developing a treatment plan together
Caregivers may rely on the expertise of health care providers, but health care providers also rely heavily on the observation skills of caregivers. Working together, caregivers and health care professionals are best able to develop a treatment plan that best serves the needs of everyone involved.By keeping a diary or observation log, caregivers can provide valuable information about changes in or patterns of cognitive and behavioral symptoms, reactions and responses to medications and shifts in ability to perform activities of daily living. In addition to medication management, a comprehensive treatment plan will include strategies for dealing with deteriorating psychological and social skills. A complete team may include a social worker, physical therapist, psychologist, home health aide, dietitian, "Elder Law" attorney and clergy — any of whom would be helpful at different stages of the disease process.
