Alzheimer's and Your Loved One

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

If you are concerned about a loved one, be sure to talk with a health care provider. Once you talk to a health care provider, you can both think about treatment and care options.

Suggestions for talking to the doctor:

Be open and honest. It may help the doctor make a diagnosis.
Give details. Be specific about how your loved one is doing and feeling.
Ask questions. Start with the questions that matter most to you.
Ask for more explanation if you need it.

You may want to print out one of the following lists of questions to bring with you to the doctor. This may help you get the most out of your discussions with the doctor.

Concerned a loved one may have Alzheimer's disease? Print out this list.

How can we tell if memory loss is caused by Alzheimer's disease?
Are there any symptoms I should watch for and report?
What should I expect if it is Alzheimer's disease?
When should I come back for another visit?
Where can I go for more information?
If it is Alzheimer's disease, which treatment is most appropriate?

Has your loved one been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease? Print out this list.

Is Aricept right for my loved one?
What kind of benefits may I see with Aricept treatment?
Can my loved one start Aricept now?
What are the possible side effects?

Next section: About Aricept

This free guide has tools and tips to help you and your loved one cope with the challenge of Alzheimer’s. It was compiled by experienced caregivers and includes:

Information about memory loss and Alzheimer’s
The benefits of treating all stages of Alzheimer’s with prescription Aricept
Caregiver resources and support

How important is the Internet to you when you make medical choices?

I don’t make a decision without consulting the Internet for information I almost always consult the Internet before making a decision I sometimes consult the Internet, if I have a specific question in mind I rarely consult the Internet; it doesn’t often affect my decision

Important Safety Information

ARICEPT^® (donepezil HCL tablets) is indicated for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

ARICEPT is well tolerated but may not be for everyone. People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain other medicines should tell their doctors because serious stomach problems, such as bleeding, may get worse. Some people who take ARICEPT may experience fainting. Some people may have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bruising, or not sleep well. Some people may have muscle cramps or loss of appetite or may feel tired. In studies these were usually mild and temporary. For full prescribing information, please visit Prescribing Information.

This Web site contains information relating to various medical conditions and their treatment. Such information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. You should not use this information for diagnosing a health problem or disease. In order for you to make intelligent health care decisions, you should always consult with a physician or other health care provider for your, or your loved one's, personal medical needs.

All quotes included in this Web site represent the individual experience of some doctors, some patients, and their caregivers. Individual responses to Aricept treatment may vary. Actual identities have been changed to protect individual privacy.

This site is intended for residents of the United States only. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

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