After a Diagnosis: First Steps

A calm, practical checklist for the weeks after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or another dementia—understanding the diagnosis, building a care team, planning ahead, staying safe and finding support.

Last reviewed: October 2026

Hearing the words "Alzheimer's disease" or "dementia" can feel like the ground has shifted. Some people feel shock or grief; others feel relief at finally having an explanation. All of these reactions are normal. You don't have to figure everything out this week. But taking a few steps early—while the person with the diagnosis can still take part in decisions—makes the road ahead easier.

This guide is for both the person diagnosed and the family members who love them.

1. Take a breath, then learn

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) recommends learning about the disease so you know what to expect. Good, free places to start:

NIA's ADEAR Center: 800-438-4380
Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900, for information, referrals and care consultation
Alzheimer's Foundation of America: 866-232-8484
Alzheimers.gov, the federal government's information hub

Be wary of websites selling "cures." Stick with trusted sources. See Helplines and Support Organizations and Stages of Dementia.

2. Make sure you understand the diagnosis

The Alzheimer's Association notes that a diagnosis reflects a doctor's best judgment about the cause of symptoms. It suggests asking the doctor to explain:

Why the diagnosis is Alzheimer's (or another type of dementia)
Where the person may be in the course of the disease
What to expect in the future

Also ask who will manage care going forward. If the diagnosing doctor won't, find out who will be the main doctor, and get the next appointment or referral before you leave. It's fine to bring a list of questions and a family member to take notes. See Preparing for a Memory Appointment.

If the diagnosis doesn't feel right, or symptoms change in unexpected ways, asking for a second opinion is reasonable.

3. Ask about treatment

There is no cure, but treatment options exist. The Alzheimer's Association notes that two medicines—lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla)—remove beta-amyloid from the brain and slow cognitive and functional decline in people with early Alzheimer's. Other medicines can help relieve symptoms for a limited time. Not everyone is a candidate, so ask the doctor what fits your situation. See Dementia Treatments: An Overview, Lecanemab (Leqembi), Donanemab (Kisunla) and Non-Drug Treatments for Dementia.

NIA also points out that an early diagnosis can open doors to clinical trials testing new treatments. See Joining a Clinical Trial.

4. Build your care team

NIA recommends:

Keeping regular appointments with a primary care doctor and any specialists
Asking for a referral to a memory disorders clinic
Contacting a nearby Alzheimer's Disease Research Center

If you have Medicare: Medicare Part B covers a separate visit to review thinking and memory, confirm a diagnosis such as dementia, and create a care plan. According to Medicare.gov, that visit can include a medication review, identifying caregiver support, help with advance care planning, and information about community resources such as adult day programs and support groups. Usual Part B costs apply. Medicare.gov also mentions the GUIDE Model, a pilot program that may offer extra support to some people living with dementia and their unpaid caregivers—ask whether your doctor participates. See Medicare, Medicaid and Dementia Care.

5. Make legal and financial plans now

This step is easy to put off—and one of the most important. The Alzheimer's Association stresses that a timely diagnosis often lets the person with dementia take part in planning and choose who will make medical and financial decisions later. NIA recommends preparing or updating:

A will
A living will (your wishes for medical care)
A health care power of attorney
A financial power of attorney

NIA suggests your local bar association or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys if you want a lawyer. It's also wise to learn about long-term care and how to pay for it. See Legal Planning, Financial Planning and Paying for Care and Planning Your Future Care.

6. If you're still working

NIA suggests talking with your employer's human resources department or employee assistance program about family leave, disability and other benefits. Reducing hours or switching to a less demanding role are options if work becomes hard. People with Alzheimer's may qualify for disability income through private insurance, Social Security or veterans' benefits. Social Security's Compassionate Allowances program can help speed up some disability claims. See Working After a Diagnosis.

7. Think about safety

Driving: NIA advises talking with the doctor if the person gets lost, becomes confused, or takes a long time on simple errands, or if others are worried. A formal driving evaluation can help. See Driving and Dementia.
Home: NIA suggests asking the doctor to order a home safety evaluation; Medicare may cover it. See Home Safety.
Living alone: Find someone who can check in regularly and serve as an emergency contact, and consider a medical alert pendant or bracelet in case of a fall (NIA). See Living Alone with Dementia.
Getting lost: NIA mentions the MedicAlert + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return program, which may charge a fee. See Wandering.

8. Make daily life easier

Simple tools go a long way, NIA notes: sticky-note reminders, a pillbox, a calendar for appointments, and technology for medicine reminders and safety. Accept help with cooking, bills, shopping or rides. See Memory Aids and Tools and Technology for Independence.

9. Keep living well

A diagnosis doesn't end a meaningful life. NIA encourages staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, staying connected with family and friends, and doing things you enjoy, such as hobbies or volunteering. See Living Well with Dementia and Staying Active and Engaged.

10. Find support—for everyone

You are not alone. The Alzheimer's Association offers local programs, an online community and an interactive tool called ALZNavigator to help with next steps. Local organizations and support groups can be found through the Association, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, or the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116). See Finding a Support Group.

Deciding who to tell, and when, is a personal choice. See Telling Others About a Diagnosis. Family caregivers should look after their own health from day one; see Caregiving Guide: Where to Start and Caregiver Stress and Burnout.

Where to get help

Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900
NIA ADEAR Center: 800-438-4380
Eldercare Locator: 800-677-1116
Social Security: 800-772-1213
In a crisis: call or text 988, or call 911 for an emergency

This article is general information, not medical or legal advice. Talk with your doctor about your care, and with a qualified professional about legal and financial decisions.

Sources

Not medical advice. This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual. Talk with a doctor about your situation.

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We may answer common questions in future updates (we won't share your name). We can't give personal medical advice; for urgent help call the Alzheimer's Association Helpline at 800-272-3900.

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