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The following ideas may help you to adjust to changes in memory.  Not all of these ideas may apply to you - and you may have some creative ideas to add to the list.
Environmental Tips      Physical Tips      Social/Mental/Emotional/Spiritual Tips
Environmental Tips
  • Keep clocks and calendars in full view throughout the house (one day per page calendars work best) where you can frequently see them.
  • Post important/emergency/commonly-used numbers by the phone.
  • Keep a date book or notebook with you that logs all appointments and special dates/events.  Cross off the days as they pass.  Have a place in this notebook that has important/commonly-used phone numbers, your address and a map to your home, and a place for you to jot down important notes.
  • Write down things you want to remember, such as "to do" lists, people's names, reminders of where things are kept, etc.
  • Consider carrying tablets or recorders to record thoughts you want to hold on to.
  • I might be helpful to make a simple list of the day's activities each morning.
  • Try to keep a regular daily routine as much as possible.
  • Consider buying a wristwatch that also shows the date.
  • Remove distractions and do one thing at a time.
  • Leave familiar objects in the same location.  Keep a specific place for easily misplaced objects like glasses, keys, etc.
  • Use pillboxes and other devices to organize meds.
  • Label drawers and cabinets to describe contents.
  • Ask your family to set up work stations to allow you to more easily perform tasks.
  • Keep a photo album with pictures/names of family, friends, places and events.
  • Use alarm clocks and cooking timers to remind you of things you have to do at a certain time.  If you're not at home and want to remember something, leave yourself a message on your home answering machine.

Physical Tips

  • Eat well-balanced meals.
  • Ask your doctor about healthy exercises and exercise regularly.  Aerobic exercise, like brisk walking, will reduce stress and soothe your mind.
  • Cut down on alcohol or eliminate completely.  Alcohol impairs thought processes and memory.
  • Have your eyes and ears checked regularly.
  • Continue regular check-ups with your primary doctor.
  • Take a nap in the afternoon if you need to.  Fatigue increases memory problems.  Find a good balance between activity and rest.
  • Take someone with you when you go out.
  • Register in the Safe Return program that provides a bracelet with the inscription "memory loss".  If you get disoriented in a public place, this will help people to assist you.

Social/Mental/Emotional/Spiritual Tips

  • Be easy on yourself and do all you can for yourself, even if it takes extra time.  Your memory problem is due to a medical illness and is no fault of your own.
  • When friends/family offer to help, suggest specific ways they may be of assistance.  Let them know what you do - and don't - need help with.
  • Be patient with those who love you, as they are also in need of support.
  • Remember that YOU are not Alzheimer's disease.  You are a multi-faceted individual with a life full of accomplishments, talents, and interests.
  • Stay as involved as you can in the things that interest you.
  • Be up front with friends/family/others.  Tell them about your memory loss.  This will help put both of you at ease and eliminate unnecessary stress.
  • Don't hurry yourself or let others hurry you.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
  • Take a break if something is too difficult.
  • Keep repeating things you want to remember.
  • Keep your mind active.
  • Lapses with names (and other memory glitches) are normal and happen to all of us.  If you ahve forgotten, ask.
  • Socialize regularly and don't isolate yourself.
  • Maintain your spiritual life.  If you belong to a church, keep attending, or keep doing whatever spiritual practices that bring you comfort and strength.
  • Share your feelings and concerns with our loved ones and teach them the best ways to help you.  Cultivate a good support system.  Join a support group for people in early stages.
  • Work with your family to continually monitor and assess safety risks (e.g., driving, ability to stay home alone) and trust them to help.
  • Do more of the things - including small things - that give you pleasure and help you eliminate stress, e.g., taking a bubble bath, listening to music, playing with a pet, watching sports on TV, etc.
  • Keep your sense of humor - it helps to laugh at mishaps that might otherwise frustrate you.