Because Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive illness, the symptoms you are experiencing will gradually worsen. You will need more help.

There is no way to predict how or when this will happen. It is a good idea for you to make decisions about your future as early in the course of the disease as possible.

• Make arrangements at work.

• Talk to your employer about Alzheimer’s disease and your symptoms, and take someone with you to help you explain and clarify your situation.

• Cut down on your hours or responsibilities if possible.

• If you own your own business, put plans in place for its future operations.

• Consider future living arrangements.

• Talk to your family or friends about where you want to live, and with whom, to prepare for the time when you will need more care.

• Consider all the options available, including adult day care programs, in-home care and hospice services.

• Settle your money and legal matters.

• Consider naming a person to make healthcare decisions for you when you are unable to do so. This person should know your wishes about your health care and future living arrangements.

• Make sure your money matters are in the hands of someone you trust, like your spouse, your child or a close friend.

• See a lawyer about naming a person to legally take care of your money matters when you can no longer do it.

• Take someone with you to the lawyer to help explain your situation and to interpret all that the lawyer says.

• Find out about any available options for long-term care insurance.