Activities are the things that we do, including getting dressed, doing chores, and even paying bills. They are a part of who we are and what we're about. For the person with Alzheimer's, they enhance the person's sense of dignity and self-esteem by giving purpose and meaning to their life. In most cases, structured, pleasant activities decrease agitation and improve mood when done with a failure free approach. The activity needs to be geared to the person's stage, their remaining ability and mental capacity. The nature of the activity and the degree to which the person completes it successfully are not as important as the pleasure and sense of accomplishment the person derives from it. Activities can be active or passive, done alone or in the company of others. They help to structure time and can make the best of retained and existing abilities.

• Simplify - try to eliminate the unnecessary clutter in your life, be it material things, or thoughts and worry over things that are out of your control.

• Carry a notepad with you to write down important things that you want to remember.

• Keep a book containing important information , such as phone numbers, people's names, any thoughts or ideas you want to hold on to, appointments, your address, and directions to your home.

• Try to keep a regular routine in your life . Doing things in the same order, and putting things away in the same place each time can help.

• Post a schedule of the things you do every day , such as meal times, regular exercise, a medication schedule, and bedtime.

• Have someone call to remind you of meal times, appointments, or your medication schedule.

• Post important phone numbers in large print next to the phone.

• Have someone help you label and store medications in a pill organizer - it will allow you to easily see if you've missed a dose.

• Keep a calendar or weekly listing with the things that you are scheduled to do – mark each day off to keep track of time. Make a habit of checking it each morning.

• Label photos with the names of those 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.

• Help keep track of the date and time by purchasing a clock with the day and date displayed. Having a daily newspaper delivered so that the day and date on the front page can be a good reminder.

• Arrange for direct deposit of your checks such as retirement or Social Security benefits.

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You may find familiar activities such as balancing your checkbook, preparing a meal, or doing household chores more difficult. Try the following tips:

• Do difficult tasks during the times of the day when you normally feel best .

• Give yourself time to accomplish a task , and don't let others rush you.

• Take a break if something is too difficult.

• Arrange for others to help you with tasks that are too difficult.

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You may begin to experience difficulty understanding what people are saying or finding the right words to express your thoughts. The following tips are important in communicating:

• Ask the person to repeat a statement , speak slowly, or write down words if you do not understand.

• Explain that you need a little time and patience

• If you lose your train of thought because of outside disturbances (traffic, phone, loud noises, other conversations, etc), don't be afraid to ask your conversation partner to help you get back on track.

• If you forget a thought, it's okay, continue on , and it may come back. Try not to get frustrated when this happens. Relax, slow down a little and it may get easier.

• Oftentimes, too much stimuli - both physical and audible input to your senses - can become overwhelming. Try to reduce distractions by finding a quiet place to converse, away from TV's, radios, and loud talk.

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At some point your ability to make decisions and react quickly may be impaired by the disease affecting your brain. For your safety, and for the safety and well being of others, it is wise to stop driving. This is not always easy, as you may feel that you are losing your independence. This need not be the case.

There are alternate forms of transportation that you may want to consider such as having a friend or family member take over the job of driving, using public transportation, or taking cabs. Very often the cost of alternative transportation is much less expensive than keeping and maintaining a car, particularly in New York City. Also check out Access-A-Ride a city transportation program. Click here to learn more about Access-A-Ride.

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The gradual loss of memory and the difficulties with decision-making and communication often raise concerns about your safety. Here are some suggestions for keeping yourself safe:

• Join "Safe Return ", a bracelet identification program offered by the Alzheimer's Association that identifies, locates and returns persons with dementia who have become lost in the community.
  Click here to learn more about Alzheimer's Association Safe Return^®.

• Write reminders to yourself to lock the door at night and put a note on the front door to remind you to take your keys with you.

• Install devices such as gas detectors and smoke alarms.

• Carry a small timer with you . Set it when you turn the stove on, or turn the water on. Even if you walk away from your task and get sidetracked, carrying the timer in your pocket will help to remind you.

• Wear a "fanny pack" instead of using a purse or wallet.

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Many individuals manage on their own during the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease, with support and assistance from others. The following suggestions may help if you live by yourself.

• Arrange for someone to help you with housekeeping , meals, transportation, and other daily chores.
  Click here to get a listing of Home Care Agencies that can support you.

• Make arrangements for help in paying bills . You can give a trusted individual the legal authority to handle money matters.

• Plan for home-delivered meals if they are available in your community.
  Click here to get information on Meals on Wheels .

• Leave an extra set of keys with a trusted neighbor .

• Make arrangements for someone to regularly check your smoke alarm .

• Have family, friends, or a community service program call or visit daily. Keep a list of questions and concerns to discuss with them during your time together. Keep a list of things for them to check out around the house, such as electrical appliances, mail, and food items.

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