Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease: Maintain structure and familiarity, educate yourself and more

Those with Alzheimer's disease are going to need different types of care depending on the severity of symptoms. Initial caregivers are typically family members.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be difficult for a number of reasons.  When symptoms become severe and around-the-clock support is needed, long-term care is a heartbreaking but often necessary option. You should also secure handrails on stairways, keep medications locked, and keep their space clean and without clutter to avoid falling or confusion. Be patient with yourself, other caregivers and the loved one during this time. Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital. 

An initial diagnosis for both the patient and their loved ones is likely both shocking and painful. Sometimes, preparing for the disease, especially if nonhereditary, is impossible.