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Alzheimer's disease - the words reverberate when you hear them. This diagnosis beyond the depths of understanding strikes thousands of people every year. It has no boundaries for young or old although it preys more heavily on the over 65 population. Over 5 million people in America have this disease which robs you of your memory and eventually your life.

When my Mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease over 10 years ago, I was devastated and my world was shattered. She was such a strong, happy, and outgoing woman who loved life. And now she was facing a battle that would eventually steal her memory and her laughter. Our mourning began almost immediately. We learned a lot through the years about coping with the disease in a positive and healthy way.

The first thing to remember is that Alzheimer's is a disease NOT a death sentence! There are positive ways of coping with this illness once it has been diagnosed and there are ways to continue enjoying life and loved ones on the journey ahead. We spent 10 years caring for our Mother before she succumbed to her disease in November, 2007. The joy we had with her for those 10 years, and the things we learned about the disease during that time, enabled us to better cope through the caregiving process.

Early diagnosis is critical to the most effective treatment for the disease. Neurological examinations, laboratory tests, CT Scans, MRI's, and a variety of other tests can be performed to aid in the diagnosis. Since Alzheimer's cannot be definitely diagnosed until post-mortem brain analysis, it is important to rule out any other medical or psychological condition which may mimic the symptoms. Once this is done, the treatment and coping processes begin.

There are a myriad of ways for caregivers to help a person cope with the disease. Some of the most common and effective coping mechanisms include:

1. Medication compliance is key in the beginning. There are new drugs being discovered to delay the onset of the disease. A doctor specializing in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease should prescribe these medications and monitor their effectiveness. Aricept is one of the most widely recognized and useful drugs for Alzheimer's Disease.

2. A big part of coping is left up to the family. Start by identifying the times of day when the person is at their best. When do they have the least problems talking, thinking, and acting? Arrange activities around these times and try to enjoy this time with your loved one. Your loved one will enjoy

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