A telltale sign of Alzheimer’s disease is fading memory. Everyday tasks that you once recalled so easily now slip from your mind. As a result, doctor’s appointments may easily be forgotten, medications are sometimes neglected, and familiar phone numbers become impossible to recall.
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, you can take steps to help your memory by placing reminders around you. Here are some suggestions from the Alzheimer’s Association:
• Post a schedule of what you do every day, such as when to eat, exercise, take your medications, and go to bed. Add anything else that you might do.
• Ask a friend or loved one to call and remind you of important events and details such as taking a medication or making an appointment.
• Carry a notebook that contains important information such as phone numbers, people’s names, fleeting thoughts or ideas, appointments, your address, and directions to your home.
• Post important phone numbers in large print next to the phone.
• Have someone help you label and store medications in a pill organizer.
• Mark off days on a calendar to help you keep track of time.
• Label photos with the names of people you see most often.
• Label cupboards and drawers with words or pictures that describe their contents.
• Have someone help you organize closets and drawers to make it easier to find what you need.
• Post reminders to turn off appliances and lock doors.