Preparing for a Memory Appointment

A practical checklist for a doctor visit about memory problems: what to write down, what to bring, questions to ask, and how family members can help without taking over.

Last reviewed: October 2026

A doctor's visit about memory can feel nerve-racking. Many people worry about what they'll hear—or that they'll forget to mention the most important thing. A little preparation helps you get far more out of a short appointment. This checklist works whether you're going for yourself or with someone you care about.

Before the visit

Write down what you've noticed

Doctors find specific, recent examples much more useful than general worries. For a week or two before the appointment, keep a simple notebook:

What happened? ("Asked the same question four times during dinner.")
When did it start? Was it sudden or gradual?
Is it getting worse? Over weeks, months or years?
How does it affect daily life? Bills, cooking, driving, medicines, getting lost, appointments missed
Other changes: mood, sleep, personality, balance, hearing, vision, falls, hallucinations

If you're the family member, the person may not see the changes the way you do (see Anosognosia (Lack of Awareness)). It's fine to share your notes with the doctor privately—many offices let you send a letter or portal message ahead of time.

Gather the essentials

The NIA suggests bringing:

All your medicines in a bag—prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal remedies and supplements—or a complete list with doses. Some common drugs, like certain sleep aids and allergy pills, can affect memory (see Medications That Can Affect Memory).
Insurance cards and names and phone numbers of your other doctors
Medical records if the doctor doesn't already have them, including past scans or test results

Also useful for a memory evaluation:

Family history – anyone with dementia, at what age, and what type if known
Health history – strokes, head injuries, depression, sleep apnea, heavy drinking, high blood pressure, diabetes
Hearing aids and glasses, worn to the visit, so test results reflect thinking rather than trouble seeing or hearing

Make a short list of questions

The NIA recommends putting your concerns in order and asking the most important ones first, rather than saving them for the end of the visit.

Bring someone with you

The NIA notes that a family member or friend can remind you what you wanted to discuss, take notes and help you remember what the doctor said. For memory appointments this is especially valuable, because the doctor will usually want to hear from someone who sees you day to day.

A few tips for the companion:

Agree on your role ahead of time. Will you speak up, or mostly take notes?
Let the person speak for themselves first. It's their appointment. Add your observations respectfully.
Offer private time. The NIA suggests the person may want time alone with the doctor to discuss personal matters.

What to expect during the visit

According to the NIA and the Alzheimer's Association, a memory evaluation may include:

Questions about health history and daily functioning
A short memory and thinking test—for example, remembering words, drawing a clock or naming animals (see Cognitive Screening Tests (MMSE, MoCA))
A physical and neurological exam
Blood tests to rule out problems like thyroid disease or vitamin B12 deficiency
Possibly an order for brain imaging or biomarker tests (see Brain Imaging: MRI, CT and PET and Blood Tests for Alzheimer's)

It's normal not to get a full answer at the first visit. Diagnosis often takes more than one appointment, and sometimes a referral to a specialist (see Which Doctor Diagnoses Dementia?).

Questions to ask

Pick the ones that matter most to you:

What do you think is causing these symptoms? What else could it be?
Could any of my medicines or health conditions be playing a role?
What tests do you recommend, and what will each tell us?
Should I see a specialist? Can you make the referral?
If it is dementia, what type, and what stage?
Are there treatments that could help—medicines or non-drug approaches?
Am I a candidate for newer Alzheimer's drugs? What would that involve?
Is it safe for me to keep driving, working or managing money?
Are there clinical trials I could join?
Who should we call with questions, and when is the next visit?

After the visit

Review your notes the same day, while it's fresh.
Ask for a visit summary or check the patient portal.
Schedule follow-up tests before you leave the office if you can.
Write down the plan: new medicines, tests, referrals and the date of the next appointment.

If a diagnosis is made, our guide to After a Diagnosis: First Steps walks through first steps, and Telling Others About a Diagnosis offers ideas for sharing the news.

Where to get help

Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900
NIA ADEAR Center: 800-438-4380 (free "Talking With Your Doctor" worksheets)

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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