Alzheimer is a type of dementia that brings issues with memory, thinking and behavior. It is important to detect the early signs of the diseases. The aim of following list is to improve awareness of the public to the early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease. If someone has several or even most of these symptoms, it does not mean they definitely have the disease. It does mean they should be examined by a medical expert trained in evaluating memory disorders, or by a comprehensive memory disorder hospital, with an entire team of experts knowledgeable about memory problems.

1. Getting lost in familiar surroundings, or misplacing household objects.

2. Asking the same question over and over again.

3. Neglecting to bathe, or wearing the same clothes over and over again, while insisting that they have taken a bath or that their clothes are still clean.

4. Repeating the same story, word for word, again and again.

5. Relying on someone else, such as a spouse, to make decisions or answer questions they previously would have handled themselves.

6. Forgetting activities that were previously done with ease and regularity such as how to cook, or how to make repairs, or how to play cards.

7. Losing one's ability to pay bills or balance one's checkbook.

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Treatment 

Several medications are currently approved by the Regulatory Authorities to treat people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Current treatment approaches focus on helping people maintain mental function, manage behavioral symptoms, and slow or delay the symptoms of disease.

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Suggestions for Patients

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult, but getting right information and support can help you know what to expect and what to do next. Use this suggestions to help you get started.

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• Make regular appointments with your primary care doctor or specialist (neurologist,    neuropsychiatrist, geriatric psychiatrist) and get regular medical care.

• being informed will help you know what to expect as the disease progresses.

• Consider going to a specialized memory disorders clinic. 

• If possible find local services and support

• Do some legal, financial, and long-term care planning

• Learn about care you may need in the future and how to pay for it.

• Get help as needed with day-to-day tasks

• Use simple memory aids like a notepad or sticky notes to jot down reminders, a pillbox to keep medications organized, and a calendar to record appointments.

• Ask family members or friends or find local services to help with routine tasks, such as cooking, paying bills, transportation, or shopping.

• Consider using technology solutions for medication management, safety (e.g., emergency response, door alarms), and other care.

• See tips about coping daily, sharing your diagnosis, changes in relationships, and more

• Be safe at home, get home-safety tips, if possible ask your doctor to order a home-safety evaluation and recommend a home health care agency to conduct it. 

• Stay safe on the road, discuss with your doctor if you become confused, get lost, or need lots of help with directions, or if others worry about your driving. Get a driving evaluation. Ask your doctor for names of driving evaluators. 

• Consider participating in a clinical trial. Ask your doctor about trials or studies at local medical centers or universities. Contact an Alzheimer’s Disease Center for assessment and potential research opportunities. Search for a clinical trial or study near you.

• Stay healthy. Be active! Getting exercise helps people with Alzheimer’s feel better and helps keep their muscles, joints, and heart in good shape. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products.

• Continue to enjoy visits with family and friends, hobbies, and outings. If you live alone, identify someone who can visit you regularly and be an emergency contact. If you are at risk of falling, order an emergency response system. A special pendant or bracelet lets you summon help if you fall and can’t reach the phone.

• Consider working with an occupational therapist. This person can teach you ways to stay independent. Ask your doctor for more information. Get tips about self-care, preventing falls, staying connected, and more. Stick with familiar places, people, and routines. Simplify your life.

• If you are working and if you have problems performing your job, consider reducing your hours or switching to a less demanding position. Consult your employer’s HR department or employee assistance program about family leave, disability benefits, and other employee benefits.

 

Suggestions for talking to kids about the disease 

Once an elder family member has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). .It is important to talk with the kids about the disease. .You might want to protect children from difficult  situations, but it is important to explain what is going on. The news may be distressing but kids may find it a relief to know that the loved one’s behaviour is part of their disease and it is not directed at them. 
Based on their age an education needs to be delivered to them using clear, simple and honest approach. Generally the AD  strikes people in their 50s and 60s . The biggest risk factor is getting older. After age 65, the risk of AD`s doubles every five years. An appropriate education and communication with  kids in the family will help to them to  understand what is happening to the person with AD’s. Specifically:

• Kids should know that the AD isn’t contagious

• It is good to show examples of other families coping with the AD.

• It is useful to educate them in the simple terms on what AD is, how it progresses and what they should expect to see as changes occur in their loved ones. 

• It is important to explain how kids can help their loved one and family

• This is a journey that requires continuous  and proactive communication with the kids based on the disease progresses. 

• You need to consider kid`s feeling and  observe their behaviour during the communication and tailor your message accordingly so the kids should have appropriate environment to express their feelings and you should explain them  that their feelings are normal.

• They should know that they can ask any question regarding the disease.

• Educate them about the disease and encourage them to ask questions

• It will be hepful to arrange activities to make the journey more smooth such as going for a walk, keeping journal, looking old photos.

• It is important to have continuous communication  by validating the kid feelings.
   

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