Gingko supplements (240 mg per day) may help reduce symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and enable you to perform daily tasks better. Be aware that gingko could interact with other medications, so talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.

Older adults with dementia may need to move into long-term care homes if they can no longer stay at home. These people have higher risk of getting physically restrained or given antipsychotic medication. Changes to policy and education have made these things happen less often.

Research has shown that taking statins later in life will not prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia. Statins are used to manage cholesterol. Cholesterol management may lower your risk for getting Alzheimer’s disease as you get older.

Some types of dementia can be treated (eg. if caused by a brain tumour, medication interactions or infections). For most people, dementia cannot be reversed. This resource includes answers to frequently asked questions about dementia.

Forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. Learn the warning signs of dementia (in this resource) to report to a doctor. Contact a doctor right away if a person becomes suddenly confused, upset, or lost.

Dementia affects reasoning, judgment and memory. This resource provides details about dementia diagnosis, treatment and management as well as different types of dementia.

Delirium is the result of brain changes that lead to confusion, lack of focus and memory problems. There is no specific treatment for delirium - it is best to avoid risks, treat underlying illnesses and receive supportive care. Sedatives and physical restraints should be avoided.

Adults with dementia that live at home have complicated care needs. This resource provides information about caregiving for a person with dementia, and about how to transition into long-term care.

Older adults with dementia have a higher risk of falls compared to other older adults. People with dementia are more likely to fall because of problems with mobility, balance and strength. Safety programs are available to help lower the amount of falls in older adults.

Studies suggest medications containing memantine can help to slow the loss of activities of daily life and mental ability (memory, learning). More research is needed to know whether memantine works better or worse than other Alzheimer's treatments.

Help preserve memories for someone with Alzheimer’s. Create an electronic folder or special box with photos and letters. Talk together or with people who know her/him to hear and document meaningful stories.

Certain medication may improve thinking and memory for people with dementia. Other drug treatments can help with related symptoms, such as depression, sleeping problems and agitation. Details about these medications in this resource.

Ginkgo biloba does not prevent age-related memory loss or Alzheimer's disease. Experts do not recommend this supplement as a memory aid.

Dementia is a general term used to describe symptoms such as memory loss or communication problems that affect your daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Symptoms include difficulty with problem solving, confusion, misplacing things and mood changes. Details about dementia in this resource, including prevention and coping.

There is some evidence that increasing vitamin B12 and folate levels (found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, vegetables and whole grains), quitting smoking, exercising and keeping your brain active can help reduce your risk of dementia.

Cholinesterase inhibitors are medications that may help to slow the loss of mental abilities for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness or diarrhea. It is unclear if these medications work better or worse than other Alzheimer's treatments.

The IQCODE questionnaire can be used to find out whether you have a memory disorder. The test can lead to false dementia diagnosis for healthy patients. A single tool is likely not the best approach for diagnosing dementia.

People with dementia often have changes in their sleep patterns or problems sleeping. Avoid taking sleeping pills or sedatives as a way to manage your sleep problems. Set a stable routine, exercise and spend more time in outdoor light to improve sleep.

Driving might not be safe for those with Alzheimer’s. Sell the car or keep the keys hidden to help retire driving. Sometimes, a written note from a lawyer is helpful.

Stay mentally, physically and socially active to help prevent memory loss. Eat a healthy diet, get organized, limit clutter, get enough sleep and manage any chronic conditions and medications. See your doctor if memory loss is affecting your daily activities.

Reminiscence therapy is a popular treatment for people with dementia and it may be helpful. Better quality research is needed.

Talk to a healthcare specialist about managing Alzheimer's disease with non-drug interventions such as orientation training, mental exercises, discussion groups, and physical exercise.

People with Alzheimer's disease gradually lose their memory and ability to concentrate. Risk factors include diabetes, depression, high cholesterol, smoking, and social isolation. Mental and physical activity, supportive social networks, and a balanced diet help to prevent Alzheimer's disease. Talk to your doctor if you or someone you love is experiencing forgetfulness, changes in behaviour, or problems with orientation.

This website offers advice about how to help someone with Alzheimer’s avoid getting lost. First, try to understand why wandering happens. For safety, try alarms, locks, camouflage doors and GPS devices.

No dietary supplements - including plant extracts and vitamins - have been proven to preserve memory. Read the details here. To maintain or boost your brain health, exercise your brain by learning something new, stay socially connected, and manage your weight and blood pressure.

Learn something new to improve brain function and lower your risk of dementia. Change your routine, register for a course, visit your local library, read, write, play an instrument or practice word or number puzzles.

To stay mentally active, don't worry about programs or games to boost your cognitive skills. Keep physically active, and focus on learning new skills that challenge you and make you think.

This patient decision aid helps people who help decide health care for a person with dementia decide on feeding options such as using a feeding tube or helping to eat by mouth.

This patient decision aid helps people with a relative with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia decide on whether to care for the relative at home or at a long-term care home by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options.

This patient decision aid helps those with Alzheimer's disease for whom symptoms interfere with daily living decide on whether or not to take medicine by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.

This patient decision aid helps caregivers of people with Alzheimer's decide on whether to keep loved one at home or consider residential care by comparing the different options.

Sundowning happens in those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. In the late afternoon or evening, confusion and agitation can get worse. To reduce sundowning, make sure you stick to a schedule and daily routines. Keep your house brightly lit in the evening, stay active, and create a calm environment. Try to avoid large meals and alcohol at night and write down triggers that cause agitation. Ask your doctor about respite and support groups for caregivers.

There are medications that can help control Alzheimer's symptoms and other treatments to help manage agitation, depression or psychotic symptoms that may occur as the disease progresses. Talk to your doctor to discuss whether medication for Alzheimer's is right for you.

If you are caring for loved one with Alzheimer's disease, remember to take care of yourself first. Try these tips to manage your stress, but seek out professional help if your stress becomes unbearable.

Degenerative brain diseases such as dementia, ALS and Parkinson's can make swallowing difficult, which can lead to serious infections. Feeding tubes have risks and do not help people live longer. Hand feeding can help.

Get professional advice about wills, pensions, and finances if you have dementia. If you are a caregiver for someone with dementia, make sure you are getting the benefits and tax credits that apply.

Get updated on news around Alzheimer's disease research, macular degeneration research, and national glaucoma research