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and excess alcohol, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying connected with friends and the community.

When you go to the doctor, he will be able to test you for Alzheimer's by asking about your symptoms and taking a family history. He will also run some mental status tests and do a physical exam, including blood and urine tests. There is also a neurological exam, and some doctors are now using brain imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) and functional MRI (fMRI).

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, remember that there are a number of treatments available to discuss with your doctor - everything from nutritional therapies to medication to family therapy. Early diagnosis allows those with Alzheimer's and their families to learn better ways to cope and prepare. This is important, as people with Alzheimer's can live for 20 or more years after diagnosis. There is no reason why many of those years cannot be filled with love and joy and adventure.

Alzheimer's Association. 7 Aug. 2007 http://www.alz.org/index.asp.

" Could It Be Alzheimer's? 10 Possible Early Warning Signs." 4therapy.Com. 7 Aug. 2007 http://www.4therapy.com/consum er/conditions/item.php?uniquei d=5971&categoryid=452.

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