Concerned You May Have Alzheimer's?

Getting Ready to See a Doctor

You may not know what to expect when you go to the doctor. But, the doctor will probably start with a review of your medical history and symptoms and a physical exam.

The doctor may ask how you are managing in your life. The doctor will want to know if you can do daily tasks. Here are some tasks you might want to describe:

Shopping
Managing money
Dressing
Bathing
Eating

Your doctor may use memory tests to help diagnose Alzheimer's. The doctor may also order additional tests, including routine lab tests.

Questions to ask your doctor

When talking to the doctor, ask the questions that matter most to you first. Be open and honest. And don't be afraid to ask for clearer answers from the doctor. This is a difficult subject, and no one expects you to understand everything the minute you hear it. It may help to be prepared. Write down your questions ahead of time.

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 discussions with the doctor.

Concerned you may have Alzheimer's? Print out this list.

How can I tell if memory loss is caused by Alzheimer's?
Are there any symptoms I should watch for and report?
What should I expect if it is Alzheimer's?
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?

Have you been diagnosed with Alzheimer's?
Print out this list.

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

Next page: Talking to Your Family and Friends

Learn more about Alzheimer’s and Aricept, the only treatment approved for all stages of the disease—mild, moderate, and severe. Also, find questions to ask your doctor.

What brings you to the Aricept site today?

I or someone I care for takes Aricept A doctor has prescribed Aricept but I/my loved one does not take it yet A doctor has not prescribed Aricept. I am looking for information on treating Alzheimer’s I/someone I care for may have memory loss I am a doctor, or I am doing research

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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