1. Get Informed
Knowledge is power. Learn everything you can about your illness.
Aging, Memory Loss and Dementia https://www.alz.org/mnnd/documents/Aging_Memory_Loss_and_Dementia.pdf (PDF)
Early Stage Resources https://www.alz.org/mnnd/documents/Early_Stage_Resource_List.pdf (PDF)
Getting a Diagnosis https://www.alz.org/mnnd/documents/Getting_a_Diagnosis.pdf (PDF)
Living with Alzheimer’s Disease https://www.alz.org/mnnd/documents/Living_with_Alzheimers_and_Related_Dementias.pdf (PDF)
Principles for a Dignified Diagnosis https://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_dignified_diagnosis.pdf (PDF)
2. Partner With Your Doctors
Together with you and your care partners, the doctor should develop a reasonable plan for meeting your needs. Regular doctor visits will help you get the best care. Bring an updated medication list and a written list of your top three questions to each doctor visit.
Partnering With Your Doctor: A Guide for Persons With Memory Problems and Their Caregivers (PDF)
3. Get Treatment
Treatment may involve medications or other therapies to slow the disease symptoms and improve quality of life.
More information about treatments https://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_treatments.asp
4. Select Your Care Partners
As with any chronic illness, it’s important to have partners to be there with you as you manage the disease symptoms. A care partner can be a spouse, friend, child, neighbor, church member, or anyone else who can give you time, attention and support.
5. Plan Ahead
Making legal, financial, and other life plans now will give you peace of mind and help you and your family today and in the years ahead. An Alzheimer’s Association care consultant can help you create a plan.
Early Stage Memory Loss: Planning for the Future (PDF)
More information about financial matters
6. Get Support
Building a support network is an essential component of living well with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association can connect you with support networks in your community.
7. Memory Meetup
Family and Individual Care Consultation
Additional resources
8. Get Engaged
Many people living with Alzheimer’s say that eating right, staying mentally and physically active, and becoming part of a greater cause helps them function at their highest level. If you are one of the 2.5 million Americans with early dementia, talk to us about the issues that matter most to you.
Last Updated on April 28, 2020
