Receiving a diagnosis of memory impairment can feel overwhelming. Getting accurate information and support can help one understand what to expect and what to do next. Alzheimer’s San Diego offers a variety of programs designed to educate and support those living with or caring for someone with dementia, including what steps to take after a dementia diagnosis.
Diagnosing Dementia
Doctors use several methods and tools to help determine whether a person’s symptoms are caused by Alzheimer’s disease. To diagnose a patient, doctors may:
- Ask the person or a care partner questions about overall health, past medical problems, ability to carry out daily activities, and changes in behavior and personality.
- Conduct tests to identify concerns with memory, problem solving, attention, counting, and language.
- Order blood and urine tests to identify other possible causes of the problem.
- Perform brain scans, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET), to rule out other possible causes for symptoms.
These tests may be repeated to give doctors information about how the person’s memory and other cognitive functions are changing over time. Alzheimer’s disease can only be definitively diagnosed after death.
People with memory or cognitive concerns should talk to their doctor to find out whether their symptoms are due to Alzheimer’s or another cause, such as stroke, sleep disturbances, side effects of medication, or an infection. Some of these conditions may be treatable or reversible.
If the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s disease, beginning treatment early on may help preserve daily functioning for some time. However, the underlying disease process cannot be stopped or reversed. An early diagnosis also helps families plan for the future and gives people greater opportunities to participate in research studies or clinical trials.
Steps to Take After Receiving a Diagnosis
Learn about Alzheimer’s disease and local support
- Alzheimer’s San Diego has many education classes that teach the basics of the disease and what local resources are available.
- If the person with a new diagnosis or their spouse is a veteran, contact Veteran’s Affairs.
- Make regular doctor’s appointments for primary care and/or specialist care with a neurologist, neuropsychiatrist, or geriatric psychiatrist.
Do some legal, financial, and long-term care planning
- Make sure legal documents, such as wills, advance healthcare directives, and durable powers of attorney are prepared or updated.
- Explore getting help to pay for medicines, housing, transportation, and more. Visit the National Council on Aging’s Benefits Check Up program.
Get help as needed with day-to-day tasks
- Use simple memory aids like sticky notes to jot down reminders, a pillbox to keep medications organized, and a calendar to record appointments.
- Ask family members or friends to help with cooking, paying bills, transportation, or shopping. Local services can also provide support with these tasks; call 211 or visit the 211 website to find programs in the area.
- Consider using technology solutions for medication management, safety, and other care.
Be safe at home and on the road
- If there are concerns about driving, such as confusion, getting lost, or needing a lot of help with directions, talk to the doctor.
- Get a driving evaluation through the Department of Motor Vehicles or other driving programs.
- Speak with a social worker at Alzheimer’s San Diego about local resources, such as free in-home safety evaluations.
- Consider joining MedicAlert® San Diego and enroll in the San Diego Take Me Home registry.
Stay healthy
- Get regular exercise for a mood boost and to help keep the muscles, joints, and heart healthy.
- Join a gym or a walking group in the neighborhood.
- Eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Continue to enjoy visits with family and friends, hobbies, and outings.
For those who live alone
- Identify someone who can visit regularly and be an emergency contact.
- Order an emergency response system if there is a risk of falls. These systems provide a special pendant or bracelet to summon help in the event of a fall where the phone cannot be reached.
- Consider talking with the doctor about a referral to work with an occupational therapist. This person can help with strategies to stay independent.
- Simplify daily life by sticking with familiar places, people, and routines.
For those who are working
- Consider reducing hours at work or switching to a less demanding position if job performance becomes a challenge.
- Consult the HR department or employee assistance program at work. They can provide information on family leave, disability benefits, and other employee benefits.
- Find out about Social Security disability benefits through the Compassionate Allowances program.
For personalized support, call us at 858.492.4400 to speak with one of our Dementia Care Coaches who are here to help San Diego County residents and/or those caring for someone living in San Diego County (Spanish speakers available). Also check out our free education classes, social activities, caregiver support groups, & more.
Posted on December 18th, 2025
