Managing a Loved One's Care

What Can You Expect?

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease. That means it gets worse with time. So, your loved one's needs may change. You may want to plan for the future. For some, this means thinking of new solutions to day-to-day challenges. For others, it may mean getting legal papers in order.

It may seem like each day brings a new challenge. As you progress with your caregiving, we hope to provide information and answers to help you on the way. Aricept’s free Caregiver’s Guide has tools, tips, and more. Sign up for your copy.

Alzheimer’s progresses in stages over 8 to 10 years, on average, after diagnosis

Mild Alzheimer's disease

People with mild Alzheimer's disease may:

Have memory loss
Have trouble naming common items
Ask or say the same thing over and over
Get lost easily
Lose interest in things they once liked to do
Lose things more often than normal
Have personality changes

Moderate Alzheimer's disease

People with moderate Alzheimer's disease may:

Have poor memory of recent events
Have trouble completing tasks, such as washing dishes or setting the table
Have a hard time picking out the right clothes
Forget to shave or shower
Argue more often
Believe things are real when they are not
Wander, often at night
Be worried or depressed

Severe Alzheimer's disease

People with severe Alzheimer's disease may:

Have problems with eating
Have problems with speech or not speak at all
Not recognize you or other family members
Not be able to control bowels or urine
Have problems with walking

Next page: Talking With Your Loved One

Our free Aricept Caregiver’s Guide to Alzheimer’s was compiled by experienced caregivers and includes:

Information about memory loss and Alzheimer’s
The benefits of treating all stages of Alzheimer’s with prescription Aricept
Caregiver resources and support
Questions to ask your doctor

How important is the Internet to you when you make medical choices?

I don’t make a decision without consulting the Internet for information I almost always consult the Internet before making a decision I sometimes consult the Internet, if I have a specific question in mind I rarely consult the Internet; it doesn’t often affect my decision

Important Safety Information

ARICEPT^® (donepezil HCL tablets) is indicated for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

ARICEPT is well tolerated but may not be for everyone. People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain other medicines should tell their doctors because serious stomach problems, such as bleeding, may get worse. Some people who take ARICEPT may experience fainting. Some people may have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bruising, or not sleep well. Some people may have muscle cramps or loss of appetite or may feel tired. In studies these were usually mild and temporary. For full prescribing information, please visit Prescribing Information.

This Web site contains information relating to various medical conditions and their treatment. Such information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. You should not use this information for diagnosing a health problem or disease. In order for you to make intelligent health care decisions, you should always consult with a physician or other health care provider for your, or your loved one's, personal medical needs.

All quotes included in this Web site represent the individual experience of some doctors, some patients, and their caregivers. Individual responses to Aricept treatment may vary. Actual identities have been changed to protect individual privacy.

This site is intended for residents of the United States only. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

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