“I have Alzheimer’s disease in my family. What should I do?” The most important thing to do is to plan for good life. Keep in mind that not all memory loss is a result of Alzheimer’s disease. Not everyone with Alzheimer’s disease becomes demented and not all who become demented have Alzheimer’s disease. The genetic risk increases about 3 times that of persons without a family history – not 100% even in identical twins. Heredity is not destiny.

There are several things that I suggest for those with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease. I don’t have a family history but I am already implementing this plan for myself as I am in my mid 60s and I want to be proactive just in case.

1. Put advanced legal directives in place. Make sure you have a durable power of attorney for financial as well as medical decision making or the equivalent. Make sure you have a Living Will. These documents need to be in place before they are needed.

2. Plan on how to decide when it is time to turn over the finances if needed in the future. Be sure that your partner knows where documents are and is involved in monitoring all assets and decisions. Put the plan for transfer in writing and involve family members from the start.

3. Plan to monitor your driving and how to stop driving before you become unsafe. This plan may be either by means of a formal evaluation or by having a trusted family member periodically ride with you and give you honest feedback.

4. Exercise. This is probably the most important thing you control to help your future. Those who are better conditioned do better in all circumstances and at all stages of memory loss. Exercise most days for at least 40 minutes and don’t ignore resistance training. Consider adding dance and Tai Chi.

5. Make liberal use of external memory supports. They are not crutches, they are essential if your memory declines. The habits you develop now are invaluable for your future. Quit trying to remember. Plan on how you will remember. Short-term memory may become a problem. You need to stay ahead of the possible changes and involve your family in the plan.

6. Attend to your health. Get routine physicals and memory evaluations. Skip the memory screenings. They are too easy and insensitive to early signs of memory loss. Make memory assessment part of your routine evaluation strategy. Don’t wait for a diagnosis. Stay ahead of potential changes.

7. Make a five year plan and adjust it as changes occur. Include what you love to do in your plan. If you ever need to move into a memory facility, be sure it is one you have picked out well in advance. Also be sure they tend to your sleeping schedule, don’t make you play bingo if that is not your thing, give you a cat or dog if you like, and let you eat lots of strawberry shortcake.