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[From
the Shared Experiences: Suggestions for those with
Alzheimer's disease booklet and audiotape by the Alzheimer
Society of Canada. To get a copy, contact your local
Alzheimer Society.]
Healthy
Living and Meaningful Activities
Living
one day at a time, doing the things you enjoy, and that
bring meaning and fulfillment to you are just some of
the ways to live with the disease.
There
is currently no way to stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Still, there are many things you can do to maintain
a healthy lifestyle.
- Look
after yourself.
- Eat
properly and exercise.
- Ask
your doctor what kinds of activities you can do to
keep active.
- Rest
when you are tired.
- Take
medications as prescribed.
- Stay
connected to family members and friends.
Things
that were important and meaningful for you throughout
your life will always be important and meaningful.
- If
you enjoyed cooking, gardening, fishing or sports,
continue making them a part of your everyday routine.
- You
can also take pleasure in living in the moment, appreciating
the small joys of life, such as seeing flowers coming
into bloom, watching birds at a feeder and pushing
a child in a swing. Capture these moments and enjoy
them.
Practical
tips for daily living with Alzheimer's disease
We
asked individuals living with Alzheimer's disease for some
practical tips for daily living. Here are some of their
suggestions:
- "Do
one thing at a time."
- "Write
things down."
- "Follow
routines."
- "Stay
away from large crowds."
- "Avoid
overstimulation."
- "If
you forget something, don't dwell on it."
- "If
you are having problems with one activity, try something
else."
- "Ask
someone to help."
- "Use
a dispenser for pills."
- "Set
the timer when using the stove or oven."
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