People with Alzheimer's disease need regular medical care to address a wide range of health and behavioral issues, some related to Alzheimer's and some not. Either way, if a member of your family has Alzheimer's, you're sure to have lots of questions — and limited time with the doctor.

To have the most productive medical appointments possible, try these tips from Eric G. Tangalos, M.D., a specialist in internal medicine and geriatrics at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and a researcher with Mayo Clinic's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.

• Involve as many family members as possible. "The more family members, the better," Dr. Tangalos says. Meeting with the doctor as a group may open the door to a more honest and comprehensive discussion of your loved one's Alzheimer's. It also may help prevent the misunderstandings that inevitably occur when family members try to relay complicated health information to each other. One caveat —let the office staff know the visit will be a family affair ahead of time.
• Be prepared. Read up on the Alzheimer's issues most important to you so that you're ready to discuss them in the doctor's office — such as advance directives or nursing home placement. If you're concerned that you may not remember your questions, jot them down ahead of time. A list can help you focus the conversation so that you're sure to cover what's most important to you.
• Be exact. Be ready to answer questions about your loved one's symptoms and behavior. As the disease progresses, your insight may be the critical factor in determining what's best for your loved one.
• Consider the future. If your loved one is in the early stages of Alzheimer's, ask the doctor to discuss the issues you'll face within the next 10 years. In the middle stages, request a road map for the next five years. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare.
• Ask for referrals or recommendations. If you need help, ask. The doctor can refer you to various community resources, such as meal services, respite care and support groups.
• Deal promptly with conflict. If something annoys you about a particular appointment or if a misunderstanding arises, discuss it with the doctor right away. Work as a team to resolve the problem, rather than rushing to switch doctors. A change could be confusing to your loved one and detrimental to his or her care in the long run.

So what's the bottom line for successful, productive medical appointments? Ask for the information and involvement you and your family need. Don't worry about taking too much time.

"Doctors want families to be involved," Dr. Tangalos says. "We make better decisions when we're working closely with the people who care."