Some Tips for Patients

If you are in the early stage of the disease, you can take some steps to cope with the disease as it progresses.

Future Plans

Perform all the necessary legal and financial documentation while you are still in charge of your life.
Discuss with your lawyers and close relatives as to how care should be arranged for you in the later stages of the disease. Identify a day care centre, if it is necessary.
Coping with the present

Short term memory is one of the first casualties of the disease.

Give yourself memory aids.

Never leave home without your calling card or your name and address on slip of paper.
Do not shift house unless it is absolutely necessary. There are two advantages in being in a familiar neighbourhood. The first is, it is easy for you to find your way about. The second is that even if you forget your way home or feel disoriented, you might find a neighbour or an acquaintance who can help you find your way back.
Stick to the familiar colour and light patterns inside your house. If the bedroom walls and linen have been BLACK in the past few years stick to the same theme. Do not change the colour or the bathroom door, tiles or even that of the bucket. Do not change the access to the bathroom by rearranging furniture.
Retain old favourites. If you have an armchair, cot or pillow that have been your favourite, retain it. They may not be in mint condition but familiarity helps independence and gives a sense of security.
Establish a routine. Every morning try to wake up at a time convenient to you, with the help of an alarm, if required. Your morning ablutions, bath, breakfast etc must fall into a particular pattern. Later, if your caregivers adopt the same routine it will be easy for you to follow and also give you a sense of security.
Wandering will be one of your problems. You are likely to become a listless individual. Join an exercise or yoga class that will help you relax and also pass time in a healthy way.