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How to live a full life with early Alzheimer's

Once that dreaded word — Alzheimer's — is uttered about you by a physician, it is time to take immediate action.

First, be sure to take any helpful drugs your physician prescribes. They can help improve symptoms. Also be sure to discuss driving with your physician and family. All people with a dementia diagnosis will have to stop driving at some point.

Get in the habit of making lists, writing yourself reminder notes or use your cellphone to help yourself stay organized. Also, ask for help with managing your finances, if needed, and review your powers of attorney documents for health and finances. If you do not have these in place, now is the time to do so, according to Peggy Rubenstein, manager of care consultation at the Alzheimer's Association's Illinois Chapter.

You may also want to join a support group — either in person or over the phone. These can be very helpful and comforting because they will help you understand that you are not alone and that others understand your concerns and what you are going through, Rubenstein said. Those in the early stages can participate in an eight-week support group along with their care partner. Those in middle stage Alzheimer's often join a local Memory Café group and meet monthly for outings and social engagement. There are currently 40 Memory Café groups meeting in Illinois.

Once the person living with Alzheimer's reaches the later stage of the disease, they generally need in-home care, assisted living, nursing home care or adult day care while family members work.

Soon after diagnosis, reach out to those you love and get their support, Rubenstein urged. A diagnosis is not the end; it's the start of getting used to a new normal. Think about how you can live your best life with dementia. Educate yourself and commit to self-care. Get stress off your plate as much as possible.

Exercising, eating a heart-healthy diet and socializing with people are just a few of the positive things you can do for brain health.

We need to fight the stigma around Alzheimer's disease that still exists, Rubenstein said. It exists in part due to lack of public awareness and understanding of the disease. Some people living in the early stage even do speaking engagements about Alzheimer's, seeking to reduce stigma and to help others confronting the disease. It gives their lives purpose and helps those newly diagnosed live with hope, Rubenstein said. It's important to stay engaged in life and have purpose.

If you suspect you are experiencing some of the early warning signs of memory loss, discuss your concerns with your physician and ask for a cognitive evaluation or for a referral to a behavioral neurologist. Do not dismiss possible early warning signs as normal aging.

For more information about Alzheimer's disease, call the 24-hour helpline at (800) 272-3900 or contact alz.org/Illinois for local resources.

African Americans are twice as likely to suffer from Alzheimer's disease as older white Americans. However, doctors say those in the early stages of the disease should stay active and increase activities that can keep the mind sharp.

Alzheimer's disease facts

• One in 10 people over the age of 65 has Alzheimer's disease.

• Two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer's are women.

• African Americans are twice as likely to suffer from Alzheimer's as older whites.

• Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely to suffer from the disease than older whites.

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