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Real members of myALZteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

should this work or not

A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭
puttsburgh

my mother does not want to get dignosed. so would dropping off a letter at her pcp saying I am a family member and we all have noticed she has been showing sevear signs of alztimers. would he do any thing about it or just dis guard it.

September 6
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Be the first to react
A myALZteam Member

@A myALZteam Member: I just posted this response on another of your posts, but I’m posting it again here because I want to be sure you see it. You’re a new Member and it’s clear that you’re in need of information and help. This stuff is HARD, no question about that.

Try to get her to a Neurologist. That’s the best place for a diagnosis and also will be the most important doctor, for care as her disease progresses. Since it’s a new doctor for her, there might be less resistance in terms of getting her there. Go with her.

And to answer a question from a different post you made: When she asks why bother with a diagnosis, you can tell her that with a proper diagnosis, a Neurologist can help to prescribe the right medications that may help with some of her symptoms, which will help her to feel better.

I wouldn’t share this bit of information with your mother, but it’s important for YOU to understand that not all Dementia is Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is one form of Dementia, but there are other types of Dementia, and a proper diagnosis is needed, for proper treatment.

September 7
A myALZteam Member

I dont think they will do anything. she hasent went there that long and has maid them so mad buy not showing up to lots of oppts

September 7
A myALZteam Member

If you find the right doctor office. The first one of my LO I even went to and talked to nurse outside the room, nothing. I had called and left messages before them about what I was seeing. Nothing. Went to a different one with a note and LO was diagnosed and taken care of correctly immediately!

September 6
myALZteam

Would dropping off a letter at your mother's doctor's office, as a family member concerned about signs of Alzheimer's, actually make a difference?

This is a really thoughtful step to take. Doctors genuinely do appreciate hearing from family members, and most will not simply ignore a letter like that. While privacy rules Show Full Answer

Would dropping off a letter at your mother's doctor's office, as a family member concerned about signs of Alzheimer's, actually make a difference?

This is a really thoughtful step to take. Doctors genuinely do appreciate hearing from family members, and most will not simply ignore a letter like that. While privacy rules limit what the doctor can share back with you, there are no rules stopping you from sharing your observations with them. Here are some tips to make your letter as effective as possible:

- Be specific — list exact behaviors or changes you've noticed, with rough dates if possible
- Keep it factual — avoid emotional language and stick to what you've observed
- Include contact details — so the doctor can reach out to the family if needed
- Ask all concerned family members to sign it — this adds weight to your concerns

The doctor can then find ways to bring up memory concerns naturally during her next visit, without revealing that the family reached out. In the meantime, it may also help to involve your mother in conversations about her health gently and calmly, focusing on specific concerns rather than the big picture. Getting an early diagnosis really does open more doors for planning and care options, so your effort here truly matters.

September 6

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