Two of the most important ways to maintain your well-being are to stay healthy and safe.
Take care of your body
- Exercise regularly, with your doctor’s approval.
- Cut down on alcohol – it can make your symptoms worse.
- Take your medications as prescribed, and ask for help if it is difficult to remember when medication should be taken.
- Reduce stress in your daily life.
Stay safe
- Consider a companion.
The person you live with may worry about leaving you alone for long periods of time. While you may feel you will be fine alone, having a companion can help the time pass more pleasantly. It can also lessen worry for your loved ones.
- Stop driving when it’s no longer safe.
Loss of memory can hinder your ability to be a safe driver. You may also become less able to make decisions and react quickly. While it is not easy to give up your license, at some point it will no longer be safe for you to drive. Talk to your doctor about when to stop driving.
Look into other ways to get around, like friends, family, taxi cabs, public transportation or walking.
Just as people can wander while walking, they can also become lost when driving or taking a bus, train or airplane. Some people wander hundreds of miles away from their homes. To help protect your safety, enroll in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return®.
- Be mindful of electrical appliances.
Leave written reminders to yourself like “Turn off the stove” or “Unplug the iron.” Be sure you have an automatic shutoff feature on the appliances you use most often – especially the ones that can cause harm if left unattended.
- Use smoke detectors.
Make sure your home has working smoke detectors. A smoke detector could save your life in a fire. Put reminders in your calendar to change the battery.
- Be careful of people you don’t recognize.
If someone you don’t recognize comes to your door, don’t let the person in. Instead, write down the person’s name and telephone number. Later, you or a family member can call the person back.
