Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I continue to learn more about brain health if I already have a diagnosis?  

Yes. Persons with dementia should still practice habits for improving brain health. Even with a diagnosis, these habits can improve function and quality of life and prevent other diseases with similar risk factors.  

2. When should I reach out to my doctor if I am concerned about my brain health? 

You should always feel comfortable speaking to your doctor about brain health and cognitive function. It is essential to ask questions at your appointments that prompt your healthcare provider about your brain health, including requesting cognitive tests. You should reach out to your physician as soon as you have any concerns about your brain health or notice signs of cognitive decline that interrupt daily life.  

3. Why are women more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias? 

Age is the most significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, and women still tend to live longer than men. Some other biological differences between men and women, like how our hormone systems age, can also affect the risk for disease. 

4. Should I get genetic testing if I have a family member who has dementia? 

Experts suggest that genetic testing may be beneficial for those showing signs of cognitive loss in their 40s and 50s, and relatives of people with a significant cognitive loss earlier in life (known as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease). If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias and you are showing symptoms, it may be beneficial to get testing for early onset. Talk to your doctor about options and available testing, and carefully interpret those tests.