---
title: "Questions to ask the doctor about dementia"
description: "A printable list of questions for a doctor visit about memory changes: causes, tests, diagnosis, treatment, safety, driving and next steps."
url: https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/doctor-about-dementia/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: Senior Choice Care
---

Printable checklist

# Questions to ask the doctor about dementia

Doctor visits are short. Bring examples of what you've seen, and these questions.

**2 minute read** Updated October 9, 2026Written by the Senior Choice Care team

In short

At a doctor visit about memory changes, ask what could be causing them, which tests are needed to rule out treatable causes, what type of dementia it may be, what treatments and support exist, how to keep your parent safe, whether driving is still safe, and what to watch for next. Bring examples and a medicine list.

**Written by the Senior Choice Care team** Updated October 9, 2026. Facts are checked against the sources listed at the end of this page. General information; every family is different.

### Questions for the doctor

1. What might be causing these changes?
2. Could a medicine, vitamin deficiency or thyroid problem be involved?
3. Which tests do you recommend?
4. If it is dementia, what type, and how might it progress?
5. What treatments or support are available?
6. Is it safe for my parent to drive, cook or live alone?
7. Should we see a specialist?
8. When should we come back?

## Questions families ask

### What should I bring to the appointment?

A list of medicines, examples of changes, and these questions.

### Can memory problems be treatable?

Some causes are, NIA notes, such as vitamin deficiencies and medicine side effects.

### Should I ask about driving?

Yes. NIA says at some point it will no longer be safe to drive.

### Can I talk to the doctor privately?

Ask; many doctors will speak with family with the patient's permission.

## Sources

- [National Institute on Aging: What is dementia? Symptoms, types and diagnosis](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/what-dementia-symptoms-types-and-diagnosis)
- [National Institute on Aging: Driving safety and Alzheimer's disease](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/driving-safety-and-alzheimers-disease)

## Read next

- [Questions to ask](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/)
- [Cognitive tests](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/cognitive-tests-for-dementia/)
- [Dementia vs Alzheimer's](https://seniorchoicecare.com/guides/dementia-vs-alzheimers/)
- [Signs of dementia](https://seniorchoicecare.com/guides/signs-of-dementia/)
- [Assisted living contract questions](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/assisted-living-contract/)
- [Home health questions](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/home-health-agency/)
- [Questions for a hospice](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/hospice/)
- [Nursing home questions](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/nursing-home/)

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