Everyday life with early dementia

People living with dementia share clever ways to stay in control. One example: a care partner writes out checks, and the person signs them, so they still make the decisions.

Talk with the people close to you about what help you’d like now, and what you can still do on your own.

People close to you may mean well but offer help that feels unnecessary. You might feel left out of decisions, or worried about becoming a burden.

Be specific about how you want to be treated, and tell people what help you do and don’t want. The more you stay involved, the fewer hard feelings there tend to be.

Some everyday tasks, like keeping a schedule or handling money, may get harder over time. A strategy that works one day may not work the next, so it helps to keep a few in your back pocket.

Accept what is out of your control, and put your energy into what you can still do.

Keep to-do lists, appointments and events in a single notebook or calendar, or in a phone or computer app.

Tips

• Check it at the same times, like breakfast and bedtime
• Cross things off as you go
• Keep it in the same spot every day

Electronic reminders, like a phone app or an alarm on your phone or computer, can prompt you when it’s time to do something.

Video calls, email and messages can also keep you close to family and friends. Pick easy-to-use devices and learn them early. Libraries and community centers often run classes.

Some people set up an area at home, like an entryway table or bench, to keep important items and organize what they need each day.

What to keep there

• A list of emergency contacts
• Keys, wallet, phone and glasses
• Things you need to take out today
• Your notebook or calendar

A digital clock that shows the day of the week and the date, as well as the time, can help you keep track of time.

Labels on cabinets and drawers make it easier to find things quickly, especially safety items like flashlights and fire extinguishers.

Ideas from people living with dementia

• Move the shampoo bottle to the other side of the shower once you’ve washed your hair
• Use a sticky note to mark something as done
• Wear the same color shirt as your partner in crowds so you can find each other

Setting up automatic payments is an easy way to pay bills correctly and on time. Many banks and companies do this for free.

You might also ask someone you trust to look over your statements and ask you about anything unusual. The Planning ahead with early dementia guide has more ways to protect your money.

Things to try

• Describe the word you’re looking for
• Draw it, or point to it
• Mime or act it out
• Talk around the subject. The word may come back to you

If you feel frustrated, take a breath, and step away for a moment if you need to.

Let the people you talk with know what helps, like slowing down, repeating key points, or writing things down.

Things others can do

• Ask one question at a time
• Give you time to answer
• Keep sentences short
• Turn off the TV or radio when you talk

Following a conversation is harder when it’s noisy. Pick a quiet corner, sit facing the person, or meet in smaller groups.

Talking can also be harder when you’re tired or unwell. Plan important conversations for your best time of day.

Keep up activities that use words, like chatting with friends, quizzes and crosswords, if you enjoy them.

A speech and language therapist can help you find strategies that work for you. Ask your clinical provider about a referral.

Aerobic exercise that raises your heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes gives the most benefit for body and mind. Brisk walking, bike riding or tennis are good examples. A group class adds social time too.

If exercise was already part of your life, keep it up. It can help you hold on to your independence and sense of who you are. Check with your clinical provider before starting something new.

No diet has been proven to treat Alzheimer’s symptoms. But heart-healthy eating, like the Mediterranean style, may help protect the brain: whole grains, fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil, and not much red meat.

If cooking gets harder, grocery delivery, ready meals, or meal programs like Meals on Wheels can help. A slow cooker can make dinner with less effort.

There’s no proof that brain exercises can slow or reverse decline. But learning something new, taking a class or trying a new hobby keeps your brain active, and may connect you with people too. If you enjoy puzzles, keep doing them.

Get regular check-ups with a provider you trust, rest when you’re tired, and keep alcohol to a minimum. Ask the care team about treatment options.

Treating hearing or vision problems is good for your brain and makes it easier to stay social. Ask your provider for a care plan in writing, or bring someone to take notes.

The Alzheimer’s Association runs early-stage social engagement programs, a comfortable way to get out, get active and meet people in the early stage. Activities have included bowling, a baseball game, and confidential phone conversations.

To find one near you, search their event listings or call the 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

A memory café is a place for people with dementia and their caregivers to enjoy activities and socialize. Many research centers also host programs and events.

You may feel hesitant about social activities in case you make a mistake. Choosing things you really enjoy can help you move past that worry.

Ideas

• Join a walking or gardening group
• Join in at your place of worship
• Play cards or games with friends
• Sing in a community choir
• Volunteer at a library, school or animal shelter

Ask family and friends if they can visit regularly and be emergency contacts. Write their numbers somewhere obvious, like on the fridge, in your wallet and in your phone. Even family who live far away can help.

Think about telling neighbors you trust. Neighbors are often the first to notice if someone seems lost, and they may be able to help.

A medical ID helps if you get lost or need help, and tells emergency responders about any allergies or special needs.

Personal safety devices like fall monitors, emergency call buttons and GPS trackers can alert family and friends if you fall, get ill or get lost. A doctor or social worker can help you find one.

Ideas

• An automatic shut-off switch on the stove, or cook with a microwave, slow cooker or rice cooker
• Non-skid mats, grab bars and night lights
• Remove throw rugs and cords you could trip on
• Water heater set to 120°F to prevent burns
• Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, with battery reminders every six months

For a full room-by-room checklist, a family member can use the Daily care & safety at home guide.

Grocery delivery, ready meals and Meals on Wheels can help with food. Meals on Wheels sometimes includes a short visit and safety check. Religious communities and senior centers may also offer meals.

Social service agencies, local nonprofits and Area Agencies on Aging can help with in-home support, transportation and meals. Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

Numbers to keep

• Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
• Eldercare Locator for local services: 1-800-677-1116
• NIA’s ADEAR Center: 1-800-438-4380 (weekdays)

Many countries have a national dementia or Alzheimer’s organization with local groups and advice lines. For emotional support, findahelpline.com lists free support lines by country.