What you can do:

For the patient in the early stages of Alzheimer's:

• Report any memory loss or difficulty in completing activities of daily living to your doctor as soon as possible.
• Establish a firm schedule and practice remembering things with repetitive exercises.
• Reduce stress with relaxation, counseling, or lifestyle changes.
• Talk to a financial planner to organize your finances and an attorney to secure a will.
• Talk to your doctor about completing a living will (Document that outlines your wishes for medical care in case of a life threatening situation and you are not able to consciously make decisions. It also designates someone to ensure that your decisions are carried out).

If you care for someone with Alzheimer's:

• Try to limit stressful situations and environmental dangers at home.
• Consider installing an alarm, fence, or special locks to limit wandering.
• Limit caffeine (colas, coffee, chocolate or tea) prior to bedtime.
• DO NOT let the patient sleep too much during the day.
• Offer options when the patient is frustrated, redirect attention, and repeat useful information.
• Ask for help. This disease process can be very overwhelming for the patient as well as the caregiver.
• Join a support group and contact the Alzheimer's Association at (800) 272-3900 for more information.

What you can expect:

• There is no cure for Alzheimer's. Supportive care and medications can improve quality of life. New research findings provide the hope for better treatments.
• Complications may include a high risk for contracting infections like pneumonia or meningitis and suffering a stroke or a coma.
• Unfortunately, Alzheimer's patients will eventually require total care and supervision daily.
• Life expectancy after diagnosis is between 2 and 20 years depending on the patient's overall health and supportive care.

Contact your doctor if you or a family member develops any symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, signs of infection (fever, chills, headaches, or body aches), or if you need help to care for someone with Alzheimer's.