There's not a lot to do to prepare for a clinical evaluation for possible Alzheimer's disease (AD). It's very helpful to have someone who knows the person being examined participate so another perspective on memory and thinking concerns is available. It is also useful to gather family history information about other people in the family who suffered from dementia or did not develop dementia despite long lives. After seeing the doctor, laboratory tests based on blood and urine samples and a brain scan may be done. Sometimes neuropsychological testing is scheduled to provide a very detailed evaluation of memory and thinking. Although this level of assessment is usually not necessary to make a diagnosis of AD, it is helpful for following the patient's response to therapy over time.

Be sure glasses and/or hearing aids are worn to the appointment so participation is at the person's best level. All current medications should also be taken to the appointment. Before the appointment with the physician, it will be important to know what to expect that day. Some questions to ask before the appointment are:

• How long will the tests and the entire appointment take?
• Can someone the person knows stay during the appointment?
• Will the family or caregiver be able to talk with the physician or someone else?

A diary of symptoms and events can be very helpful in the evaluation process. Keep a log of the person's activities and behaviors for a week before the appointment. Take this information with you to share with the physician at the appointment. Some questions you may be asked include:

• What has changed and what can the person still do?
• Have you noticed specific symptoms?
• How has memory been affected?
• Has there been any change in personality?
• When did different symptoms appear?

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