Having Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia need not mean that life loses its meaning. For every symptom, there is a way of managing it.

Despite a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or a similar dementia, life can be lived to the full - and there are ways to keep happy and fulfilled.

Talking about the diagnosis

Family members can support each other best when they are truthful and honest about feelings. Hiding difficulties will result in misunderstandings

Asking for help

Family, friends, voluntary organizations, health care providers can all provide help. If help is not requested, then people may not realise the needs.

Keeping independence

This may seem to be the opposite of 'asking for help', above. The important difference is to keep doing the things that can still be done, but to know the time to start asking for assistance.

Seeing the doctor regularly

Working with the doctor is essential to get the best possible treatment. This includes regular health checks, reporting new symptoms, concerns, or any side effects from medication.

Keeping positive

The celebration of retained skills is important instead of focusing on difficulties. Self-confidence will improve if you do.

Keeping a sense of humor

Humor is a great way to deal with stress and can help everyone deal with difficulties.

Taking more time

Slowing down means that more can be achieved – by concentrating on tasks, one at a time.

Avoiding too much stimulation

Is the TV on all day? Is the radio blaring while chores are addressed? Distractions and multi-tasking can create confusion. Focusing on one thing at a time gets the best from any task.

Writing things down

Writing daily to-do lists is helpful as a memory aid. A diary or calendar is essential, but it is not advisable to have more than one diary, to avoid clashing commitments. A list of useful telephone numbers near the phone is helpful. Favorite telephone numbers can be programmed into the phone.

Keeping to a routine

It is easier to keep track of the day if there is a regular time for doing various things, such as meal-times, times for hobbies, and times for TV.

Everything in its place

It can be easy to lose or misplace certain things, such as keys, a purse or glasses. Important things can have their own special places. The earlier this habit is formed, the better. Labels can be used, if these are helpful.

Keeping healthy

A well balanced diet and regular exercise will help to maintain the best possible health. Crosswords, puzzles, reading the newspaper and conversation can keep the brain active too. As for mental health, talking about feelings with a friend or relative can help to dispel fears and negative thoughts.

Socialising

To get the best from life, it is good to keep seeing friends and continue hobbies, including church activities too. Everyone has experience of forgetting things. It may be necessary to tell people that memory is a special problem and to ask for help occasionally.

Minimising frustration

If anger arises because of the disease, it is helpful to blame the illness, not individuals. Discussing any difficulties with loved ones or experts can relieve pressure. There may be a solution to practical difficulties if they are talked through together. Each person may find a way to deal with the everyday challenges.

Valuable information, support and advice is available from the Alzheimer's Disease Association for the country that you live in. Early contact means early help and possible solutions.