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How can someone with Alzheimer's communicate their wishes before memory loss gets worse?
It can help to share your wishes early. Alzheimer's disease slowly changes the brain. Symptoms get worse as time goes on.
Sharing your wishes early matters because Alzheimer's disease symptoms get worse over time. Alzheimer's disease (AD) begins slowly and changes how the brain works. As it progresses, a person may have more trouble speaking, reading, or writing. Over time, a person may eventually need total care. Telling your family your wishes early can help them understand you. This works best while you can still communicate clearly. Some people first notice changes in memory called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. MCI means more memory trouble than is normal for a person's age. MCI may be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. Seeing your care team regularly can help track changes over time. Your care team can also help you think about planning ahead.
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This page is educational, not medical advice. Talk with your care team about decisions that apply to you. If something feels urgent, contact your care team — for emergencies call your local emergency number.
More about Alzheimer's disease & MCI
- What does it mean to have early-stage Alzheimer's, and how might it affect daily life?
- What is MCI (mild cognitive impairment), and does it always lead to Alzheimer's disease?
- What tests or scans do doctors use to diagnose Alzheimer's disease?
- How is Alzheimer's disease different from the normal memory changes that come with aging?
- What can someone with MCI or early Alzheimer's do to stay safe at home?
- What do families need to know about driving when someone has Alzheimer's disease?