Dear Counsellor:

My father has been diagnosed with early Alzheimer's. He lives with his wife (my mother) and is very concerned about the diagnosis. He was an active man and is now a retired accountant.

- Claudette

Dear Claudette:

Dementia is a condition that affects the elderly population. It usually coexists with depression.

Alzheimer's is a form of dementia. Usually, there is progressive memory loss, poor judgement and loss of ability to conduct routine activities. Whatever the diagnosis, individuals worry about their health and develop anxiety reactions.

The family has to become more supportive of your father and compensate for his progressive decline. His wife and children should educate themselves about Alzheimer's disease. It is important that all members of the family get involved in the care of your father. Your father will require closer supervision as his illness unravels.

Share these precious moments with him so you can remember him being pleasant, kind and thoughtful. Treasure photographs of the past and the present. Your father may need medication for his depression.

Keep your father in the decision-making process until he is unable to do so. Respect his wishes and needs. It's best for him to make his will now that he is competent to do so. You should also appoint someone to be his guardian when he is incapacitated.

Remember that sickness and disability are part of the routine of life as persons age. Pray about the situation and get information about the needs of the elderly.

There is medication that can slow the progression of the illness. These help keep patients functional for as long as possible.