For example, perhaps the man described above simply grew tired of doing his own taxes after all those years. We must weigh all the potential factors. Someone with early Alzheimer's disease may forget if he or she must turn right or left to reach a certain destination, says Morris. Early detection is important because drugs are available that can slow the patient's decline, at least temporarily. These drugs allow the individual to maintain their cognitive and functional abilities longer than usual, so they should be initiated when function is still relatively good.
Cognitive function refers to someone's ability to plan, remember, and exercise good judgment.
Have the patient engage in as many activities as possible, but under supervision. For example, they can continue to prepare meals, as long as someone makes sure the burners have been turned off afterward. I have early-stage patients who deliver meals on wheels. The main issue is the individual's safety and security. People who look after Alzheimer's patients must also take care of themselves, Morris says.