How to Live With Alzheimer's Disease

Approximately five million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease. While lifestyle management through diet and exercise can slow its progress, planning and organization can make it easier to live with the day-to-day aspects of the disease.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay physically active through moderate exercise and performing light housekeeping tasks. Read more about diet and exercise at the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation website.
2. Stay mentally active. Continue working for as long as possible after you're diagnosed. If you're retired, stay busy with household projects and hobbies. Complete brain-teasers and word games, assemble jigsaw puzzles and play cards and board games.
3. Continue to do the things you enjoy and pursue your interests.
4. Stay well-rested by getting enough sleep.
5. Stay socially active by interacting regularly with friends and family.
6. See doctors regularly and have prescriptions filled when prescribed.

Get Organized

7. Discuss long-term living and care arrangements with loved ones. Research care facilities or work out logistics of home care in advance.
8. Arrange for someone you trust to make decisions for you if you lose that capacity. Consider giving that person power of attorney.
9. Make financial and legal arrangements, including updating your will and Advanced Health Care Directive. Make sure your insurance documents are in order and that your doctor has up-to-date information.
10. Establish schedules for activities like medication and meals and stick to it. Scheduling makes it easier to eat meals at the right times and reduces the risk of under- or over-medicating.
11. Write things down. Label drawers and closets so you can find things easily. List steps and instructions for everyday activities.
12. Have a friend or family member periodically assess your driving abilities. Alzheimer's disease can impair driving judgment. Make alternative arrangements in advance by lining up drivers for trips to the doctor and the store.

Get Support to Live With Alzheimer's

13. Seek counseling from psychologists or clergy. Depression and anxiety are common emotions for those dealing with the effects of Alzheimer's.
14. Join Alzheimer's support groups and visit message boards. Find local support groups through the Alzheimer's Association website.

Tips & Warnings

• Get fresh air and sunshine. Sunlight can help regulate sleep patterns.
• Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor. Alcohol can interfere with medication and increase confusion.

Who Can Help: