12 Questions to Ask About Memory Loss

What specifically did the cognitive testing show, and what's the diagnosis?

"Memory loss" isn't a diagnosis. Knowing whether it's mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, or frontotemporal dementia changes prognosis and treatment.

Are there reversible causes we should rule out first — medication side effects, thyroid, B12, sleep apnea, depression?

Several conditions mimic dementia and are fully treatable. Make sure each has been investigated before settling on a chronic diagnosis.

What stage are we at, and how is progression typically measured?

Stage informs everything downstream — when to involve specialists, when to start advance care planning, when to expect new symptoms.

Are there medications that could help, and what are realistic expectations from each?

Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine), memantine, and newer monoclonal antibodies (lecanemab, donanemab) each have specific roles, side effects, and realistic effect sizes. Ask the doctor to be honest about what each can and cannot do.

Should we see a specialist — neurologist, geriatrician, or a memory clinic?

PCPs handle many cases well. Specialists add value for complex cases, atypical presentations, clinical-trial eligibility, or when first-line treatments aren't working.

Are there clinical trials we should consider, and how would we know if we're a candidate?

Trials may offer access to investigational treatments and rigorous monitoring. Eligibility windows are narrow — bring it up directly rather than waiting for the doctor to mention it.

What daily-life adjustments matter most right now — driving, finances, cooking, falls, wandering?

Safety risks shift over time. Asking which to address now (vs. later) prevents both under-reaction and the kind of over-restriction that erodes dignity unnecessarily.

What symptoms should I call about before the next scheduled appointment?

Sudden confusion, infections, new falls, or behavioral changes can signal something treatable. Knowing what's urgent prevents both missed care and unnecessary 2-AM ER visits.

How can family best support without taking over — what do you recommend we do, and not do?

Clinicians see the patterns that work and the patterns that backfire. Specific guidance beats the generic "be supportive" advice you'll find online.

What community resources, support groups, or financial-help programs do you typically refer families to?

The Alzheimer's Association, Area Agencies on Aging, and disease-specific support groups offer help that isn't available through the medical system alone. Doctors often have favorites they refer to and don't mention unless asked.

When should we start advance care planning, and do you have resources to help us begin?

Earlier is better — capacity for these decisions can decline. Many practices have social workers or care coordinators who specialize in this. CPT 99497 is the billable code for this conversation.

Can we schedule a Cognitive Care Plan visit (CPT 99483) to put a written plan in place?

CPT 99483 is a Medicare-billable extended visit that produces a written care plan covering medications, safety, advance care planning, and follow-up. Asking for it by name unlocks the structure — many families don't know it exists. More on CPT 99483.