In addition to organizing and planning as much as possible, make sure to pay attention to your physical health. See your doctor regularly, and have someone help you keep track of important questions you want to bring up at your appointments. Take your medication exactly according to the directions, and ensure a trusted family member or friend is available to check up on your medication daily. Eat healthy and get exercise as often as you can. Don’t push yourself beyond what you feel up to, and allow yourself to take a break when you are tired. Alcohol can affect your memory, so try to cut back on drinking, or cut it out.

Don’t neglect your emotional health, either. Make good use of the Alzheimer’s Association chapter in your area, and have your doctor refer you to a therapist if you need to talk. Your doctor also may be able to prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications for you. Alzheimer’s disease is also difficult to cope with for your loved ones. Encourage them to seek out the help and support they need and to have a network of support in place for times when things deteriorate.

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