The holiday visit checklist
Noticed changes in your parent over the holidays?
Families are often the first to see memory changes. This 3-minute checklist helps you put what you noticed into words, spot the risk factors you can do something about, and decide whether it's worth a closer look.
Changes you've noticed
Think about the past year. Compared with how your parent used to be, have you noticed any of these? Only count changes, not things that have always been true.
1. Repeats the same questions or stories more than before
2. Has said they don't feel as sharp as they used to
3. Has more trouble keeping track of appointments, dates, or the day of the week
4. Has trouble with bills, money, or paperwork they used to handle easily
5. Gets turned around in familiar places, or driving seems less safe
6. Has more trouble finding words or following a conversation
7. Misplaces things more often, or puts them in unusual places
8. Has trouble using familiar devices, like the phone or TV remote
9. Has less interest in hobbies, friends, or activities they used to enjoy
10. Seems more anxious, irritable, or withdrawn
11. Makes decisions that seem out of character, such as with money or strangers
Brain health risk factors
Many things that raise the risk of memory decline can be changed. Answer what you know. "Not sure" is a fine answer, and it's worth finding out.
1. Has trouble hearing, turns the TV up loud, or doesn't wear the hearing aids they have
2. Snores loudly, or seems tired or dozes off during the day
3. Has high blood pressure that may not be well controlled
4. Has diabetes or high blood sugar
5. Gets little regular exercise, like walking most days
6. Spends most days alone, or has pulled back from friends and activities
7. Has vision problems that haven't been checked recently
8. Had a parent or sibling with dementia or Alzheimer's
This checklist is educational only and is not a diagnosis. Your answers aren't saved or sent anywhere.
What happens next
Call or book a visit
You or your parent can call (561) 918-0003. We'll find a time and explain how to get ready.
Meet in person or by video
Your parent can visit our Boca Raton office or meet with us by video from home. With their permission, you can join from wherever you are and share what you've noticed.
A plan for your family
Our neuroprevention team looks for causes, orders the right tests, and walks you both through next steps.
Questions families ask
How do I bring this up with my parent?
Lead with care, not a list of mistakes. "I want to make sure you stay sharp for years. Would you get a brain health check with me?" often lands better than "I'm worried about your memory."
Does my parent have to come in?
No. Visits can happen in person at our Boca Raton office or by video from home, anywhere in Florida. Many families start with a video visit.
Can I join the visit and hear the results?
Yes, with your parent's written permission. We'll help you set that up before the visit.
Is it covered?
We accept Original Medicare and some Medicare Advantage plans, plus cash-pay options. Call us to verify your parent's coverage.
Why not wait and see?
Earlier is better. Every cause of memory change is easier to address when it's found early, and treatments for early Alzheimer's work best when started early.
What if it turns out to be nothing?
Then you'll both have peace of mind, and a plan for the risk factors you can work on together.
Neuroprevention starts with the risk factors you can change.
Thema Brain Health · 3998 FAU Blvd, Suite 120, Boca Raton, FL · (561) 918-0003
This page is for education and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. If you notice sudden confusion, weakness, or trouble speaking, call 911.