Alzheimer's Disease Health Center

Alzheimer's Disease: Tips for Maintaining a Normal Life

Living with Alzheimer's disease is a challenge for anyone. It's difficult to remember things, make decisions, and find your way around the way you used to. It can be frustrating a good deal of the time, but there are good days and bad days. Here are some helpful tips and things you can do to make things easier for yourself -- to make things feel a bit more normal again.

How Do I Cope With My Memory Problems?

To help cope with memory problems:

• Always keep a book with you to record important information, phone numbers, names, ideas you have, appointments, your address, and directions to your home.
• Place sticky notes around the house when you need to remember things.
• Label cupboards and drawers with words or pictures that describe their contents.
• Place important phone numbers in large print next to the phone.
• Ask a friend or family member to call and remind you of important things that you need to do in the day, like meal times, medication times, and appointments.
• Use a calendar to keep track of time and to remember important dates.
• Use photos of people you see often labeled with their names.
• Keep track of phone messages by using an answering machine.

What's the Best Way to Plan the Day?

In planning your day:

• Find things to do that you enjoy and are able to do safely on your own.
• It will be easier to accomplish tasks during the times of the day when you feel best.
• Allow yourself the time to do the things you need to do, and don't feel rushed or let other people rush you.
• If something gets too difficult, take a break.
• Ask for help if you need it.

How Do I Avoid Getting Lost?

To keep from getting lost:

• Ask someone to go with you when you go out.
• Ask for help if you need it and explain that you have a memory problem.
• Always take directions for where you're going with you.

What Will Make Communicating Easier?

Communicating with others will be easier if you:

• Always take your time, and don't feel rushed.
• If you need to, ask the person you're speaking with to repeat what he/she is saying or to speak slowly if you do not understand.
• Avoid distracting noises, and find a quiet place to talk.

What About Driving?

Driving can be of particular concern for Alzheimer's patients. Here are some things to consider:

• Have someone else drive you where you need to go.
• If you tend to get lost or confused easily, consider alternative modes of transportation.
• Drive only in areas that are familiar to you.
• Contact organizations like the Alzheimer's Association to learn what local transportation services are available.
• The Department of Motor Vehicles will assess your driving skills if you're not sure whether you should drive.
• At some point, it may no longer be safe for you to drive.