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I, without a medical degree, feel he needs to be reevaluated in a respite situation. Maybe a start over with the meds. After 5+ years. How do I get the primary care doc to address this. What we are doing is not working - trying different dosages of the meds - taking weeks. Any ways to address this?

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One thing that can help is writing down the specific changes you’ve noticed before the appointment. For example changes in mood, sleep, confusion, balance, or side effects.

Bringing a short written list to the doctor can make the conversation easier because it gives clear examples of what is happening day to day.

Many caregivers also ask for a medication review during the appointment so the doctor can look at whether any medications may need adjusting or if combinations are causing problems.
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Reply to CareguideVB
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I do agree that after this much time, husband probably needs a med change. He may be perscribed cognitive meds that after a point don't work once the Dementia has progressed.

IMO a PCP/GP should not be caring for a patient with Dementia. PCPs know a little about everything and a lot about nothing. Your parent needs a Neurologist. They would be much better in prescribing the correct medication for a specific Dementia.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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Can you contact the doctor through the patient portal, ahead of the appointment, so that you have time to articulate your thoughts without interruption, and then the doctor will come into the appointment with your concerns already in mind and be more willing to try to address them.
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Suzy23 Mar 7, 2026
I agree. You need to state he’s been diagnosed with A, B, C, and he’s taking medications X, Y, and Z but he still has the following symptoms or problematic behaviors (whatever they are).

Tell doctor the truth as you experience it. Do you think he’s in pain? Falling? Swallowing difficulties? Combative behavior? Not eating? Hallucinations? Whatever it is, tell the doctor. Ask if respite care is available and if med adjustment is in order or could help.

Ask specific questions too. Example: my dad took meds for high blood pressure for years. Then he started getting dizzy spells when standing up from sitting. They found he was having blood pressure drops. I asked “should he stay on the blood pressure meds?” And they said stop taking that one. I’m not sure this change would have happened if I hadn’t asked. The Dr who prescribed it originally was not the one who discovered the cause of the dizziness.
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