Health care - Assessment and testing - How to prepare

While waiting for an appointment with the specialist or memory clinic for assessment and testing, develop a plan. Persons awaiting assessment and testing benefit from keeping intellectually stimulated, eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, keeping active socially, and finding ways to cope with and reduce stress levels. The following is a list of frequently ask questions to help you prepare.

Source: The information above comes from the Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP). (2011). Before/early diagnosis. A "By Us For Us" Guide. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: MAREP.

Frequently asked questions

How should I prepare myself for the testing and assessment process? Click for answer

It is best to ask your doctor or specialist how to prepare for testing day. Some strategies include:

  • Being well rested
  • Bring a family member or friend who knows you well
  • Bring in all your medication (including herbal, supplements, vitamins, eye drops, inhalers, prescription, and non-prescription medication)
  • Bring all of your assistive devices (including eyeglasses, contact lenses, dentures, hearing aids, canes, walkers)
  • Dressing comfortably and being prepared for a lengthy visit of up to three hours
  • Be prepared with questions to ask your physician or specialist

Source: The information above comes from the Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP). (2011). Before/early diagnosis. A "By Us For Us" Guide. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: MAREP.

What questions should I ask the doctor or specialist before testing? Click for answer
  • What is involved in the process of making a diagnosis of dementia?
  • What tests do I need to have done and where will they take place?
  • What other disease(s) are you trying to eliminate in the testing process?
  • What else could these symptoms signify?
  • How should I prepare for my assessment?

Source: The information above comes from the Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP). (2011). Before/early diagnosis. A "By Us For Us" Guide. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: MAREP.

What questions should I ask the doctor or specialist when diagnosed? Click for answer

After you have undergone testing and assessment, your doctor will discuss the results with you. Some questions you and your family member might want to ask after receiving a diagnosis include:

  • Can you explain this diagnosis to us please?
  • What do we do now?
  • What does this mean to me as the person with dementia? What does this mean for my family members/partners in care?
  • What can we expect?
  • What medications or treatments are available?
  • What resources are available to help us?
  • What is the follow-up process?
  • Do you know of any current clinical drug trials that I can participate in?

Source: The information above comes from the Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP). (2011). Before/early diagnosis. A "By Us For Us" Guide. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: MAREP.

Helpful links and resources

Preparing for your doctor's visit - Alzheimer Society Canada
A checklist to prepare you for your visit to the doctor

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