A diagnostic evaluation for a person with suspected Alzheimer's disease is usually initiated by family members whose concerns go beyond strictly medical issues. To determine precisely what questions families want answered, a 15-point questionnaire was developed at a multi-disciplinary geriatric assessment clinic. Caregivers were asked to rate each question according to how important it was that the question be answered during the evaluation. Questions had to do with: (1) cause and treatment of the patient's symptoms; (2) patient's prognosis; (3) behavioral management; (4) family decision-making; (5) patient activity level; (6) institutionalization; and (7) use of community resources. The results of 50 consecutive questionnaires showed that the most important question to caregivers was, "What can we expect the future course of the illnes to be?" The type of question rated as important was found to vary according to patient's sex, caregiver's relationship to patient, patient's residence, and whether the patient's dementia had been previously diagnosed. Ways in which professionals can use the findings to provide caregivers with the type of information they need most are discussed. The questionnaire and tables of responses are appended. (NB)