Steps to Take After an Alzheimer's Diagnosis

by Heather Finch

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, there are several steps you can take to ensure safety and independence, and to plan for the future as the disease progresses.

Your doctor may prescribe medications to help slow the progression of the disease. Make sure that you understand the correct dosage of your medicine, when you should take it, and whether or not it needs to be taken with food. You may find it helpful to purchase pill organizers and have someone you trust sort out the medicines by day of the week and, if necessary, the time you should take them each day.

You also may be able to enroll in a clinical trial. You can find more information at www.clinicaltrial.gov.

Keep yourself organized. Make a daily schedule of things you need to do each day, and make sure you follow it. You may want to be very specific, including daily routines such as taking a shower, eating meals, and brushing your teeth or soaking your dentures. The more specific you are, the better chance you have of remaining independent longer. You may also want to start labeling common household objects, like your silverware drawer, contents of your kitchen cabinets, and items in your medicine cabinet.

Stay active and healthy. Try to exercise daily. If you haven't been exercising, talk to your doctor about a plan that works for you. Keep plenty of easy meals available, such as purchasing healthful frozen dinners or having a family member or caretaker freeze and label meals you can microwave. Make sure you are having regular check ups. You may also need to cut back on your alcohol consumption. Keep your mind active by reading books you like, doing crosswords or other puzzles, or other activities that require concentration. If something becomes too frustrating, rest for awhile.

Ask for help. If you have relatives or friends that live nearby, find out what they can help you with. Consider hiring someone to clean every week, or a caregiver that could come in and help make sure you are taking care of yourself. If your community has a service to deliver meals, that would be a great way to make sure you are eating regularly and healthfully.

Safety first. Call 1.888.572.8566 to enroll in MedicAlert and Safe Return in case you become lost. You may also want to post a list of things to check, reminders like "turn the stove off" or "lock the door" and invest in appliances with safety shut off features.

Make a plan to get around. It is very important to stay active and do the things you love. At some point it will not be safe to drive, and so make a plan to have a driver, take a taxi, or use city transportation. When you leave the house, have directions to and from your destination. If you get lost, do not be afraid to ask for help, but make sure it is someone trustworthy such as a police officer or a bus driver. If you have a cell phone, have someone you can call for help. There are very easy to use cell phones available that can be programmed to call one number and 911. More information on those is available at www.jitterbug.com or 1-800-918-8543.

Take steps to avoid solicitors or potential fraud. As your disease progresses, it may become more difficult to make good decisions. Sign up on the national "do not call" list at www.donotcall.gov and remove yourself from mailing lists at www.usps.gov. Have a family member, friend, or financial advisor available to contact before you make any major financial decisions.

Consider your emotional health. An Alzheimer's diagnosis can be emotionally difficult to handle. You may feel frustrated by your memory loss, isolated by your illness, and afraid that friends and family may not understand your condition. Talk to them. Let people know what to expect as your disease progresses, and reach out for their help and support. Find out if there is a local support group you can attend at www.alz.org or by calling the Alzheimer's Association at 1-800-272-3900. There are also message boards on www.alz.org you can log on to and talk with people who are going through the same thing as you are. Write down your emotions-both good and bad-in a journal or use a personal tape recorder.

Make plans for the future. There will be a point in your illness where you will not be able to take care of yourself. Plan for that day now, and remember it is a result of a disease, and not something to feel guilty about. Research care facilities and find one you like and where you would feel comfortable. Find someone you trust who can make decisions about your health for you in the case you cannot do so yourself. Talk to a lawyer about your estate and financial matters. The more you can plan, the more secure your family can feel about ensuring your needs and wishes are met.

You should never feel alone. There are many resources available to help you and your loved ones learn about Alzheimer's Disease. Some of these resources are listed below, and you will find many more out there once you start looking. Being proactive will not only help you remain independent longer and plan for your future, it will also help you feel more in control of your disease.

Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org or 1-800-272-3900

National Institute on Aging at www.nia.nih.gov

Eldercare Locator www.eldercare.gov