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Living with Alzheimer’s Disease
Discussing the Topic of Psychosis with a Doctor
Alzheimer’s Disease may result in behavior or mood changes in yourself or a loved one with the disease. It is important to understand if these changes are related to Alzheimer’s.
You Can Take Action
Try these approaches to have a transparent discussion with a doctor about psychosis to help advocate for you or your loved ones:
Observe changes in behavior and thinking patterns
It’s important to share details about your experience with a doctor. This is especially true if someone is struggling to understand what is real and it affects their ability to function in daily life. Raising these experiences with a medical professional can help you understand causes and potential treatments4Learn more about Psychosis
Psychosis can include delusions or false beliefs and hallucinations which happen when you see or hear things that aren’t there. When a person experiences psychosis there can be warning signs such as intense new ideas, strange feelings, or no feelings, avoiding social interactions, confused speech, and a decline in self-care. Learning more information about psychosis can make discussions easierShare medical diagnoses and other conditions that may contribute
A person may experience psychosis from other causes such as sleep deprivation, general medical conditions, certain prescription medications, and substance use. By understanding how other factors can contribute to psychosis, you can give a doctor more information about possible causes of the symptoms.Take detailed notes
Record information on conversations with your doctor to reflect on them later. This will help you make informed decisions. It may also help to prepare a list of symptoms, treatment options, and possible referrals for psychiatrists or other care providers.Use many sources of support
Work together with friends, family, loved ones and others to see how others would approach and solve the problem. When you gather support for you/your loved one, the entire care team can be involved in finding solutions.Observe changes in behavior and thinking patterns
It’s important to share details about your experience with a doctor. This is especially true if someone is struggling to understand what is real and it affects their ability to function in daily life. Raising these experiences with a medical professional can help you understand causes and potential treatments4Learn more about Psychosis
Psychosis can include delusions or false beliefs and hallucinations which happen when you see or hear things that aren’t there. When a person experiences psychosis there can be warning signs such as intense new ideas, strange feelings, or no feelings, avoiding social interactions, confused speech, and a decline in self-care. Learning more information about psychosis can make discussions easierShare medical diagnoses and other conditions that may contribute
A person may experience psychosis from other causes such as sleep deprivation, general medical conditions, certain prescription medications, and substance use. By understanding how other factors can contribute to psychosis, you can give a doctor more information about possible causes of the symptoms.Take detailed notes
Record information on conversations with your doctor to reflect on them later. This will help you make informed decisions. It may also help to prepare a list of symptoms, treatment options, and possible referrals for psychiatrists or other care providers.Use many sources of support
Work together with friends, family, loved ones and others to see how others would approach and solve the problem. When you gather support for you/your loved one, the entire care team can be involved in finding solutions.
© UsAgainstAlzheimer's 2024
© UsAgainstAlzheimer's 2024