For many, maintaining independence after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is a top priority. But safety considerations are essential too.

Early onset Alzheimer’s disease is a variant of Alzheimer’s in which symptoms begin before 65 years of age. This type of Alzheimer’s accounts for 5% to 6% of all Alzheimer’s cases.

If you’ve received a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s, your family members may quickly offer to help with caretaking and to make changes to ensure your safety and well-being.

While support is an essential part of an Alzheimer’s treatment plan, it’s also understandable if maintaining your independence for as long as possible is a priority for you. Here’s what that can look like after an early onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Although you may have some symptoms of memory loss and cognitive (thinking) difficulties, you may be able to maintain some independence during the early stages of the disease.

One of the most effective ways to continue functioning independently is to create everyday routines so that your activities and chores continue to feel familiar. For instance, it can be helpful to create a structured schedule for each of your days to avoid confusion and maintain consistency.

This consistency can apply to your:

  • sleep schedule
  • mealtimes
  • exercise routine
  • grocery shopping
  • medication management
  • bill payments

The idea is to try to do these activities at the same time each day so that they become a habit rather than something you have to remember to do each day. This is particularly important for remembering to take any medication prescribed to you so that you continue to take care of your health and manage your symptoms.

In addition to maintaining a consistent schedule, you may find it helpful to use technology and tools to stay organized. This could look like:

  • Using an app: Apps for organization can allow you to set reminders and manage to-do lists.
  • Buying a pillbox: A pill organization box or dispenser can help you remember to take any necessary medications.
  • Using a physical calendar: You can keep a calendar on your fridge or buy a planner notebook to keep track of upcoming doctor’s appointments, social engagements, and bill payments.
  • Setting up automatic payments: Try to limit the number of things you have to remember in a given day by setting up automatic payments where you can.
  • Putting essentials in the same place: If you haven’t already, try to develop the habit of putting essentials such as your keys, wallet, and glasses in the same place every time you come home. This can help you avoid misplacing items and adding stress to your day.
  • Sharing your plans with others: If you find yourself frequently forgetting appointments or responsibilities, consider sharing your plans with loved ones. You can share your app reminders and calendar with your spouse, your child, or a close friend to help you stay on top of your schedule.

There are changes you can make to better ensure your safety and prevent accidents in your home. The following tips may help:

  • Remove any clutter and unnecessary furniture.
  • Use a nonslip mat in your bathroom.
  • Install grab bars in hallways and bathrooms.
  • Install night-lights.
  • Buy appliances with safety features, such as a stove with automatic shutoff.
  • Consider buying a medical alert system.
  • Prioritize wearing shoes that support your balance.

Diet and exercise are a crucial part of maintaining your ability to think.

According to a 2020 research review, a diet that prioritizes healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, such as the Mediterranean diet, can help preserve cognitive function.

In contrast, a diet high in refined sugar and carbohydrates can worsen dementia-related symptoms.

You may also want to consider talking with your doctor about supplementing your diet with vitamins.

In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise can help delay Alzheimer’s symptoms. Try to find an activity that you enjoy and are willing to do most days. This might be walking, yoga, gardening, dancing, swimming, weightlifting, or stationary cycling.

Prioritizing home-cooked meals that include a protein, whole grain, and vegetable and incorporating movement into your daily routine are some of the most important habits to maintain or establish after an early onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Although you may be looking to maintain your sense of independence after your Alzheimer’s diagnosis, that does not mean you have to manage your symptoms and lifestyle changes alone.

It can be helpful to consider how your loved ones may be able to support you. This might look like having someone help you declutter your home, drive you to doctor’s appointments, or download organizational apps for you to try.

It can also be helpful to seek out Alzheimer’s support groups and talk with people who are facing the same challenges you are. They may be able to help you feel more prepared and less alone.

Although potentially overwhelming, it can be incredibly helpful to start planning for the future when it comes to work, finances, legal decisions, caregiving and living arrangements, and end-of-life care.

You don’t have to make these decisions all at once, but beginning to consider what you would like to have happen as your Alzheimer’s progresses can help you maintain a sense of independence. It is also advisable to talk with your loved ones about these decisions sooner rather than later.

Maintaining independence after a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s disease requires proactive steps, including increasing organization, planning for the future, and incorporating safety features and precautions into your home.

Try to remember that striving for independence does not mean you have to manage all these changes alone. Instead, seek out as much support as you can, whether it’s from loved ones, support groups, or organizational tools and devices.